THE Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) Penang Chapter is already gearing up to organise the next MATTA Fair in Penang, following the recent success of the MATTA Fair Penang 2023.
The Penang Chapter chairman Carolyn Leong said the next fair is scheduled to be held on April 27 and 28 next year.
“Registration for the fair will open soon,” she revealed during the MATTA Fair Penang 2023 Buyers’ Lucky Draw Prize Presentation ceremony at Lone Pine, Penang, a Tribute Portfolio Resort, today.
Speaking about the MATTA Fair Penang 2023, Leong said the fair attracted about 29,000 visitors and generated RM33 million in total sales turnover.
“Our success is a testament to the strength of the industry and its potential growth,” she said.
Leong also thanked the supporters and sponsors for making the 2023 fair a success.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai congratulated the MATTA Penang Chapter for its success.
“MATTA plays a pivotal role in enhancing the tourism sector, both in Malaysia and Penang.
“The Penang government is committed to supporting the association and its activities. The synergy between the government and the association has led to excellent outcomes over the years,” Wong said in his speech.
He also expressed his gratitude to the airlines, cruises, hotels, tourist attractions and travel trade contributors who have sponsored prizes for the lucky draw.
In a related issue, Wong urged the tourism industry players to leverage Penang’s strong manufacturing industry.
“Penang’s twin engines of growth are manufacturing and services.
“Our travel industry can leverage the strength of our manufacturing industry. We can attract more business and conference travellers to Penang,” he said.
The MATTA Fair Penang 2023 Buyers’ Lucky Draw Prize Presentation ceremony saw over 60 prizes won by lucky buyers.
However, only airline and cruise ticket prizes were given out during the symbolic event today.
One of the lucky winners was 19-year-old Kam Shu Zhang, who won an economy-class return ticket from Penang-Kuala Lumpur-Adelaide, sponsored by Malaysia Airlines.
His father, Kam Soo Kean, 50, said his family has been buying tour packages from the MATTA Fair Penang and taking part in the Buyers’ Lucky Draw.
“However, this was the first time that we actually won in the Buyers’ Lucky Draw.
“We bought a tour package to Italy during the MATTA Fair Penang 2023, and we plan to go for our holiday in January next year.
“Perhaps, after our trip to Italy, we can continue our trip to Adelaide,” Soo Kean said.
The other top main prizes for the lucky draw were a business-class return ticket from Penang-Kuala Lumpur-Narita (by Malaysia Airlines); and an economy-class return ticket from Penang to Australia (Perth, Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane) (by Qantas Airways).
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Law Suun Ting