DISCOVER the Road to Financial FREEDOM!

21 Responses to “MATTA Fair 2010 Is Back Again | Malaysia Travel Fair 2010”

1. alan on July 14th, 2010 at 10:43 am

   Good response from travel agents

   LOOKING for a holiday package? Then don’t miss the great travel deals at the upcoming Matta Fair in September

   The travel fair will be held from Sept 3 to 5 at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) from 10am till 9pm.

   Organising chairman John Tan said they were expecting more than 80,000 visitors to the fair.

   As of early this month, travel agents have booked over 770 booths at the exhibition. This is 87% of the total number of booths.

   In addition, the National Tourism Organisations of Australia, Korea, Taiwan, India, Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau, Thailand, Japan and Turkey will also be taking part in the fair.

   “Matta has also never failed to organise the buyers’ contest whereby the grand prize for the main draw is RM20,000 worth of travel vouchers and RM5,000 for the domestic draw,” said Tan at the Matta Fair booth balloting and selection process held at PWTC recently.

   Matta credit card members stand a chance to win more gifts from EON Bank as well as from Matta itself.

   Visitors who have complaints can refer to Matta Complaints Bureau at 03-9287 6881 or contact the Ministry of Tourism.

   For details on Matta fair, call (603)-9287 6881 or log on to mattafair.org.my.

   fr:thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/7/13/central/6638018&sec=central

2. alan on July 19th, 2010 at 8:34 am

   Tour guides against move to allow foreign workers

   PETALING JAYA: Local tour guides have objected to Tourism Ministry’s proposal to allow foreign tour guides to work in Malaysia.

   Representatives from 12 tour guide associations nationwide expressed their dissatisfaction during a tour guide council meeting in Malacca on Saturday.

   Langkawi Tourist Guides Asso­ciation chairman A. Gunasagaran said if foreign tour guides were allowed to work here, it should be on condition that they attend familiarisation courses,

   “They must also register themselves as members of tourist associations here,’’ he said.

   fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/7/19/nation/6690677&sec=nation

3. alan on July 21st, 2010 at 7:33 pm

   Matta Fair expects 20,000 visitors

   SOME 20,000 visitors are expected to turn up at the Matta Fair 2010 at the Expo Hall of Danga City Mall in Johor Baru from tomorrow to Sunday.

   Event organising chairman Ngi Chin Soon said he was confident the number of visitors would surpass the previous year’s 11,000.

   He said the optimism was based on the fact that the 12th Matta Fair was going to be held at a strategic location this year.

   “The venue this year will be bigger and there is also access to convenient public transportation,” he said.

   “There will be 150 booths to promote various domestic and international tourism products,” he added.

   Ngi said that there would be attractive lucky draw prizes to be won, including a 1.3 Proton Saga BLM, a camera, a home theatre system and air tickets. “Those who book tour packages worth more than RM500 at the fair will qualify for the grand prize of a Proton Saga BLM,” he said, adding that the fair this year aimed to promote domestic tourism, especially in Johor.

   fr:nst.com.my/nst/articles/03ngi/Article

4. alan on July 26th, 2010 at 7:37 pm

   MGTO’s Malay Website A Big Hit Among Malaysian Travellers

   KUCHING, July 26 (Bernama) — The Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) has been getting encouraging response to its newly launched Malay website, which provides useful information for Malay-speaking travellers planning to visit Macau, its representative and marketing manager in Malaysia, Ho Yoke Ping said Monday.

   She said the website – my.macautourism.gov.mo – which was aimed at attracting more Malaysian tourists to Macau, received a monthly average of 1,000 hits from those seeking information on places to see, shop, stay as well as upcoming events and festivals.

   “The new website assists Malaysian travel agents to access more information to promote Macau better as an attractive destination to potential travellers from Malaysia. A number of promotional events are also being planned, including participation at Malaysia Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) Fair,” she told Bernama.

   Apart from the Malay website, she said, the MGTO website was now available in 11 other languages, including Chinese, Portuguese, English, Japanese, Korean, Thai, German, French, Bahasa Indonesia, Russian and Arabic.

   She said Malaysia was Macau’s fifth largest visitor-generating market, which accounted for 332,529 Malaysians out of 21.7 million tourist arrivals last year.

   Currently, low-cost airline AirAsia offers three daily direct flights from Kuala Lumpur and three weekly direct flights from Penang although its Kuching-Macau sector has since been suspended.

   She said among the recently-opened new tourism facilities that would interest Malaysian travellers are the Macau Science Centre, Malo Clinic, Encore at Wynns Macau, the new Mandarin Oriental Macau and shopping stores at the One Central, Macau.

   The world’s largest water-themed show, “The House of Dancing Water” by Franco Dragone has been scheduled to open in the third-quarter of this year at the City of Dreams, in Cotai, Macau, she said

   fr:bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsindex.php?id=516385

5. alan on August 13th, 2010 at 5:58 pm

   Bargains galore at travel fair

   KUALA LUMPUR: Visitors to the Malaysia Airlines-MITM Travel Fair 2010 can expect not only great deals for holidays packages but also lucky draw prizes worth RM300,000.

   Malaysiaan Chinese Tourism Association president Paul Paw said 48 exhibitors would be occupying 212 booths at the Mid Valley Exhibition Centre from today until Sunday. He said a similar fair would be held at the same time at Leong Wan Chin Hall at Perak Girls School.

   “Visitors stand a chance to take part in the lucky draw when they spend a minimum of RM300 at the fair,” he told a press conference here yesterday.

   He said the prizes include a return first-class ticket to Cape Town, a business-class return ticket to Shanghai and accommodation.

   “This year, we hope to attract 60,000 visitors and generate a total revenue of RM50mil from both fairs,” he said.

   Tickets to the fair, which will be held from 10am to 9pm, are RM3 each.

   MAS head of marketing (Malaysia & Asean) David Raj said special promotions on MAS holiday packages would only be made available by participating exhibitors at the fair.

   Among the promotions by MAS are one-way all-inclusive tickets to Medan (RM169), Bali (RM339), Perth (RM699), Seoul (RM879) and London (RM1,619).

   “Promotions on air tickets only are also available online during the fair,” said Raj.

   The travel period is from Aug 27 to Jan 31, next year.

   fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/8/13/nation/6851212&sec=nation

6. alan on August 17th, 2010 at 7:13 am

   IPOH: About 30,000 visitors are expected for the Matta Perak Travel Fair 2010 from Sept 3 to Sept 5.

   Organising secretary Aminur­rashid Abas said more people were expected to travel during the year-end school holidays.

   The fair, he said, would be held at the Leong Wan Chin Hall at SMJK Perempuan Perak on Jalan Tuanku Bainun (formerly Jalan Kampar), adding that the previous fair in March had attracted 20,000 people.

   Aminurrashid said the 60 exhibition booths at the fair would be opened to public from 10am to 10pm daily.

   “Customers who buy tour packages worth more than RM300 will be entitled to enter a contest and win airline tickets,” he said, adding that the organising committee was still negotiating with airline companies on the destinations for contest winners.

   The fair is organised in cooperation with the Perak government and Tourism Perak Sdn Bhd.

   State Tourism Committee chairman Datuk Hamidah Osman is expected to launch the event on the first day at 6pm.

   fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/8/17/nation/6865169&sec=nation

7. alan on August 20th, 2010 at 7:21 pm

   Sabah Registers Eight Per Cent Increase In Tourist Arrivals Up To June

   KOTA KINABALU, Aug 20 (Bernama) — Sabah registered an eight per cent increase in tourist arrivals in the first six months of this year, recording 1,195,168 arrivals compared to 1,104,903 in the same period last year.

   International tourist arrivals recorded a higher growth of 23.5 per cent (372,672 arrivals) while domestic arrivals only grew at 2.4 per cent (822,496 arrivals), said Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun.

   “International arrivals by air increased by 15 per cent but if we count Indonesians and Filipinos arriving by boat/ferry, it will be 23.5 per cent.

   “We also noted that there was a good increase of Indonesians and Filipinos arriving by air, with arrivals by air from the Philippines increasing by 40 per cent and Indonesian arrivals by air increasing by 38 per cent for the first six months,” he told reporters after opening the Sabah Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) Fair on Friday.

   Masidi said this was also attributed to the increased number of flights between Manila and Kota Kinabalu, and with more high-end Indonesians visiting the state.

   There was also a notable increase in tourists from Europe and Taiwan, he added.

   In the meantime, he said, the low growth in domestic tourism could be attributed to tourists still being cautious over the economic situation.

   “Nevertheless, we hope the recent announcement by Malaysia Airlines to select Kota Kinabalu as its eastern hub will contribute to more active tourism activities in Sabah,” he said, adding that new direct routes were expected, such as to Perth, Australia.

   Earlier, in his speech, Masidi reminded travel agents and tour operators here to be honest when doing business to ensure that Sabah’s image was kept clean and said they would benefit through repeat customers in the long term.

   Masidi claimed that almost 90 per cent of the complaints received from international tourists was that they had been cheated or they did not get what they were promised, such as no refund if they cancelled their trip.

   “We will not tolerate cheats. We will come after you. We will not hesitate to recommend the cancellation of your licence if you feel you need to cheat,” he warned.

   The Matta Fair, which will be on until Sunday, showcases 50 booths consisting of travel operators, national tourism organisations and state tourism organisations, where more than 30 per cent are promoting domestic tourism, said Sabah chapter Matta chairman cum organising chairman K.L Tan.

   Matta Malaysia president Datuk Khalid Harun said this was the seventh Matta fair held this year out of the 12 fairs scheduled annually, and they tried to arrange one fair in a different state every month.

   fr:bernama.com/bernama/state_news/news.php?id=522842&cat=sbe

8. alan on August 23rd, 2010 at 6:50 pm

   KTMB Offers 25% Discount At Matta Fair

   KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 23 (Bernama) — Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) is offering a 25 per cent discount for its intercity services for tickets purchased during the Matta Fair 2010 from Sept 3 to 5 at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC).

   KTMB Intercity Services Marketing Manager Mohd Noordin Kimi said Monday the offer would be given to Matta Fair visitors with minimum purchase of four tickets to any destinations, including Singapore.

   He said the tickets are valid for three months from the launch date of the fair, but limited to the super off peak days which are from Monday to Thursday.

   Speaking at a joint press conference with Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) here, he said a 25 percent discount are also offered to visitors buying two tickets to visit the Matta Fair via KL Sentral Station between Sept 2 and 5.

   Organising Committee chairman John Tan said the Matta Fair was expected to attract 80,000 visitors to the 820 booths participated by 173 exhibitors.

   “We hope to see a total of RM90 million sales from this year’s sales,” he added.

   fr:bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsgeneral.php?id=523342

9. alan on August 27th, 2010 at 5:01 pm

   Matta Sabah To Hold Bigger Fair Next Year

   KOTA KINABALU, Aug 27 (Bernama) — Malaysian Association of Tour and Travels Agents (MATTA) plans to hold a bigger fair in Sabah with the participation from more international exhibitors next year.

   MATTA Sabah chairman, Tan Kok Liang, the plan was part of its efforts to help the government boost the state’s tourism industry.

   “The venue will be here. There is also plan to increase the grand prize for the lucky draws from RM10,000 to RM20,000 to attract more people,” he told reporters here Friday.

   Tan said the recent MATTA fair at Suria Sabah shopping mall here was a success.

   “About 15,000 visitors turned up compared with the previous year’s 5,000.

   He said the encouraging response was largely due to recovery in the global economy, improvement in consumer sentiment and there was no negative impact from the spread of influenza A as in previous year.

   Another reason, he said, was the prizes for lucky draws and the free admission.

   “We hope this positive trend will continue next year,” he said.

   Tan said air ticket bookings increased by 143 per cent compared with the previous fair with the popular destinations being Shanghai, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan and Hong Kong.

   “This will augur well for the Sabah inbound tourism. The increase in demand to these destinations will mean more direct international flight frequencies and an opportunity for Sabah tourism to grow,” he said.

   Meanwhile, travel agents, local resorts and hotels promoting domestic tourism at the fair were satisfied with the positive response from visitors.

   Among them were Borneo Tropicana Tour & Travel Sdn Bhd, Dream World Resort Sdn Bhd, Inno Travel & Tour Services Sdn Bhd, Tropical Gateway Tours Sdn Bhd, Traverse Tours Sdn Bhd, Perbadanan Putrajaya, Gaya Centre Hotel and Sabah Tourism Board.

   First-time participants, Taiwan Visitors Association and Korea Tourism Organisation, were happy with the turnout which they said were beyond their expectations.

   Serene Chia of Marina Bay Sands Singapore said over 1,000 visitors signed up as members.

   Chloe Chong of Macau Government Tourist Office said there were more enquiries on the country at the fair.

   Nine participants won air tickets from various airlines to Miri, Hong Kong, Bandung, Seoul, Tokyo, Chengdu and Brisbane.

   Lim Ee Sim grabbed the grand prize of RM10,000 sponsored by MATTA Sabah.

   fr:bernama.com/bernama/state_news/news.php?id=524472&cat=ess

10. alan on August 28th, 2010 at 11:09 am

    Rail discounts at Matta Fair
    By THO XIN YI

    VISITORS to the Matta Fair planning a cross-state or cross-border journey take note, KTM Intercity will be distributing discount coupons at its booth during the fair.

    The coupon will entitle the holder to a 25% discount on the train fare, with a minimum purchase of four tickets for off-peak period.

    The coupons must be used within three months from the date of issuance.

    KTM SBU Intercity Services marketing manager Mohd Noordin Kimi said KTM Intercity had prepared 5,000 coupons for the fair, to be held from Sept 3 to 5 from 10am to 9pm at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) in Kuala Lumpur.

    “In addition to KTM Intercity goodies for those who visit our booth, we also contribute one premier class ticket and 10 superior class tickets to the organiser as contest prizes, as well as six superior class tickets for the lucky draw,” he said.

    Matta Fair organising chairman John Tan said visitors who spend RM500 on overseas tours and RM200 on domestic tours during the fair would be able to participate in the lucky draws, which offer RM20,000 and RM5,000 worth of travel vouchers as grand prizes respectively.

    Those from other states who are travelling to Kuala Lumpur to visit the Matta Fair (arriving at KL Sentral only) via KTM Intercity between Sept 2 and 5 will also get to enjoy a 25% discount on the train fare, with a miminum purchase of two tickets.

    To encourage more visitors to take public transport to PWTC, those who produce KTM Commuter receipts only need to pay RM2 as entrance fee to the fair. The normal entrance fee is RM3.

    Matta president Datuk Mohd Khalid Harun added that for the first time, Matta had allocated a prayer hall for Muslims to perform their Friday prayers on Sept 4.

    So far, there are 173 exhibitors occupying over 90% of the 820 booths
    fr:thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/8/28/central/6920703&sec=central

11. alan on September 1st, 2010 at 7:57 am

    Card holders stand to get exclusive offers at Matta Fair

    TRAVELLERS from all over Malaysia are looking forward to Sept 3 to 5 to pick up the best travel deals at the Matta Fair, the country’s largest travel fair taking place at Putra World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur. EON Bank Group Matta credit card holders stand to enjoy greater convenience and value at the three-day travel fair held twice yearly.

    Billed ‘The Ultimate Travel Card’, the EON Bank Group Matta credit card is dedicated to those seeking exceptional travel privileges and is a must-have travel partner.

    “As the issuer of the official Matta Card, our objective is to contribute to making the Matta Fair a great one-stop shop for travellers and ever since we introduced the card four years ago, we have gone the extra mile to enhance that experience each time,” said EON Bank Group Head of Cards and Unsecured Lending, Aaron Tan recently.

    “The travel market is very competitive but we believe we have put together the right package for our travel-loving cardholders! The privileges offered by the EON Bank Group Matta credit card cover every aspect of one’s travel experience – from the time they purchase their holiday until they return safely home,” he continued

    A recently added feature for the card is the 1% cash back on all overseas shopping. Other exciting benefits at the fair include free priority entrance for themselves and one guest, three times Matta points for every RM1 spent, guaranteed gift redemption for every RM500 spent at the fair, purchase with purchase offers and 0% interest installment plans for up to 12 months.

    For added convenience and peace of mind, the EON Bank Group Matta card offers up to RM2mil in travel insurance covering incidents such as flight delays, lost baggage and missed connections. Cardholders can also enjoy free access to the Plaza Premium Lounges at KLIA, LCCT, Senai and Changi Airports, point conversion to Enrich Miles and at the same time benefit from EON Bank Group’s string of standard card privileges for leisure indulgence, dining, shopping, and wellness.

    To top it all off, all new-to-EON Bank Group credit cardholders will receive a RM50 cash rebate just by using their cards a minimum of three times for any amount within two months of their card approval date. On-the-spot approval, which comes with a free travel bag, is available for those interested in signing up for the card during the fair.

    With all these treats and privileges, EON Bank Group is confident of garnering a 15% growth in card usage by the end of 2010. To find out more about the EON Bank Group Matta Credit Card, visit eonbank.com.my or call the Customer Service Hotline at 03-2616 1133.

    fr:thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/9/1/central/6946804&sec=central

12. alan on September 2nd, 2010 at 10:40 am

    Firefly and Emirates fare offers at Matta Fair

    PETALING JAYA: Two airlines are offering attractive deals in conjunction with the annual Matta Travel Fair.

    Firefly Airline is giving away to its high spenders some RM200,000 worth of Malaysia Airlines return tickets in its Fly Long Haul Promotion beginning tomorrow.

    Firefly will also be promoting holiday packages at its booth at the fair, said the airline’s head of marketing & communications, Angelina Fernandez, in a press statement.

    The packages highlight destinations offered by Malaysia Airlines and Firefly.

    Fernandez said complimentary value-added items would be thrown in for buyers.

    These include free night stays, dinner, transfers or spa sessions.

    Emirates Airline is also offering 25 European destinations for fares as low as RM2,871.

    Customers can obtain the offers from selected travel agencies at the Matta Fair.

    fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/9/2/nation/6963556&sec=nation

13. alan on September 2nd, 2010 at 12:56 pm

    Rubbing shoulders with Sung I-Ming
    By Najiah

    Taiwanese showbiz fans, listen up!

    Here’s your chance to get up close and personal with Sung I-Ming (pic) who will be in town this weekend.

    The heartthrob will be at the MATTA Fair on Saturday to promote his home country to Malaysians.

    He will also be giving away souvenirs to lucky fans participating in quizzes, which will be held from 11.30am at the Central Stage and noon at the Taiwan Stage of the Putra World Trade Centre.

    fr:mmail.com.my/content/48259-rubbing-shoulders-sung-iming

14. alan on September 2nd, 2010 at 2:41 pm

    Attractive MAS deals at Matta Fair

    Malaysia Airlines (MAS) is offering attractive deals for domestic and international destinations at the Matta Fair from Sept 3-10.

    MAS said on offer are the best one-way travel fares to Taipei at RM599, RM699 to Maldives and Perth, RM1,109 to Melbourne, RM1,619 to London and RM1,899 to Los Angeles.

    Attractive business class fares are also available to Bangkok at RM899, Hong Kong RM1,709, Taipei RM2,639 and London at RM7,699, the airline said in a statement today.

    At the same time, customers looking for travel packages can check out the MASholidays booth at Hall 1, PWTC, from Sept 3- 5.

    MASholidays’ travel packages start from RM937 for a four day/three nights trip to Bali and RM867 for a two day/one night stay in Mulu.

    For Perth, it is from RM2,344 for four days/three nights and RM4,758 for a four day/three nights trip to London.

    All packages are for one person inclusive of economy class flight tickets, airport transfers, accommodation and daily breakfast.

    “We encourage customers to start planning for their holidays to take advantage of the offers and the flexible travel dates from Sept 17 this year to May 31, 2011,” it added.

    fr:btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/20100902142547/Article/index_html

15. alan on September 4th, 2010 at 6:31 am

    Matta fair returns with bigger and better deals

    THE much-awaited Malaysian Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) Fair is back at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) Kuala Lumpur from today to Sunday.

    The travel fair is the second to be organised this year after a successful one in March.

    Matta Fair organising chairman John Tan said there would be more than 185 exhibitors.

    “Although September is always a smaller fair compare with March, we are expecting 80,000 visitors and RM1.9mil turnover from this exhibition,” said Tan.

    The exhibitors include tour operators, travel agents, tourism organisations, airlines, hotels and resorts and travel-related products and services.

    There are more than 855 booths within a space of 20,000sq metres in hall 1, 2, 3 and also at the linkway of PWTC.

    Fun and exciting activities and international performances have been included while visitors are shopping for travel packages.

    The fair has maintained the Buyer’s Contest whereby all one needed to do was to buy a RM200 domestic package and stand a chance to win the main prize of RM5,000 worth of travel vouchers.

    The contest’s grand prize of RM20,000 worth of travel vouchers awaits the winner with just RM5,000 payment for any travel package.

    The more you buy, the better the chances to win the grand prize.

    Holders of the Matta Credit Card issued by the EON bank Group would not only enter the fair for free, but would also enjoy plenty of goodies by using the credit card.

    There are also discounts and loyalty bonus for the early birds.

    fr:thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/9/3/central/6969562&sec=central

16. alan on September 5th, 2010 at 7:49 am

    Attractive Matta Fair deals for Muslims

    The number of Muslim visitors at the Matta Fair has increased by 30 per cent over the past few years due to attractive offers on Muslim travel packages.
    Matta Fair organising chairman John Tan said more Muslim visitors were expected to throng the fair next month, even though it will be held during Ramadan, to grab the best travel bargains.

    “We believe the fasting month will not be a deterrent. Our travel operators will be offering more packages suitable for Muslims,” he said at a press conference recently.

    Also present were Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) president Datuk Mohd Khalid Harun and Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd strategic business unit intercity services marketing manager Mohd Noordin Kimi.

    The fair will be held from Friday to Sunday at the Putra World Trade Centre.

    Tan said during Ramadan, hotels in Australia, South Korea and China have included “buka puasa” treats for travellers .

    Khalid said PWTC will open a special hall for Muslim visitors to perform Friday prayers.

    Mohd Noordin said KTMB is offering a 25 per cent discount on tickets for its intercity services purchased at the fair.

    Discount coupons will be given to visitors who make minimum purchases of four tickets to any destination.

    “The coupons are valid for three months from Friday,” he said.

    A 25 per cent discount will be offered to visitors buying two tickets to visit the fair via KL Sentral Station between Friday and Sunday.

    The fair is expected to attract 80,000 visitors and rake in an estimated sales revenue of RM90 million.

    fr:nst.com.my/nst/articles/31sem/Article/

17. alan on September 7th, 2010 at 5:55 pm

    Annual madness at travel fair
    By LIM CHIA YING and OH ING YEEN
    Photos by SAMUEL ONG

    CROWDS thronged the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) Fair at the Putra World Trade Centre in hopes of scoring good deals on travel packages.

    The halls were fairly packed at 10am on the first day of the fair, despite it being a Friday.

    Some came with family members in tow such as Saffidah Mohd Saffuan, 40, who drove from Seremban with her family of five.

    “We have not decided on where to go, maybe Taiwan, but we wanted to see what is offered at the fair.

    “This is a one-stop place to get information,” she said.

    At the local destinations section, there was a long queue at the Genting Resorts World booth, to redeem their member card points and take advantage of the low room prices.

    Although Amna Nali, 60, came at 10am, he spent 30 minutes in line for the redemption but felt it was worthwhile as he could get a room at 80% off.

    “This is my third visit to the fair for the redemption points.

    “It is limited to a first-come, first-served basis,” he said.

    The A’Famosa Resort booth also proved to be popular, as many signed up for the room package which was going for a promotional offer from RM8 per person for a two day/one night accommodation at the resort.

    A few cockatiel birds were also put on display at the KL Bird Park booth. Its marketing and promotion executive Taufik Mohd Sharif said they were promoting their entrance fees at 50% off — RM10 per adult and RM5 per child.

    The purchased tickets, he said, were valid until Dec 31.

    Over at the international section, some of the booths were outstanding

    The Thai Tourism booth, for example, was done up with distinctive Thai architecture, while Thai traditional performances entertained passers-by.

    One of the Japanese tourism booths also had an attractive tree as its centrepiece, while at the Taiwanese booth, dough figurine artist Lo Tzu-cheng’s cartoon character figurines were a hit with visitors.

    The Macau booth was whimsical with its castle-like structure while Disneyland Hong Kong was lively with pictures of popular Disney characters adorning the booth.

    Husband and wife F.K. Chan and Y.M. Koay, who were busy enquiring at one of the booths, said they were planning a holiday to Hokkaido, Japan.

    “It will be more like our retirement holiday,” said Koay, 47.

    “We have not booked anything yet as we are still looking for the best price offer.

    “Right now, it does not seem too cheap but at least, this is a place where people could shop and look for everything under one roof, and not having to go from one tour agent to another.”

    For some, one day is just not enough to check out all booths at the fair.

    Stella Thow plans to spend two to three days to get all the information she needed.

    “There are so many booths! On the first day, I will check out the offers at the booths and compile the information.

    “I will return another day to decide on which packages I want,” she said.

    The three-day Matta fair was launched by Deputy Tourism Minister Datuk Dr James Dawos Mamit.

    There were some 860 participating booths consisting of national tourism organisations, state tourism organisations, airlines, hotels, resorts, tour operators, travel agents, cruises, theme parks, places of interest and travel-related companies.
    fr:thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/9/7/central/6984449&sec=central

18. alan on September 17th, 2010 at 10:11 am

    Yong on cloud nine at Matta Fair
    By AUSTIN CAMOENS

    JOHOR BARU: Contractor Ooi Yong Chong is lost for words after winning a brand- new Proton Saga at the Matta Travel Fair recently.

    The 35-year-old father of three purchased an air purifier worth RM3,000 which won the car.

    “My wife wanted her own car for some time, and now she will be able to have one,” he said.

    Ooi also said that this was the first time he had won a big prize in a lucky draw.

    Another winner Liew Siew Heong, 42, a technician who works in Singapore won a trip to Egypt as well as RM6,000 cash.

    “I went to the travel fair and purchased a holiday package for me and my family to Taiwan worth RM14,000 and it proved to be a good move,” she said.

    The mother of three said that she would consider buying another package for her family so they could also enjoy a trip to Egypt.

    Cathy Tai who bought a cruise ship holiday package for her family worth RM3,000 won herself a trip to Japan and RM4,000 cash.

    “I bought the cruise package and we are to set sail in November, but now I also have another holiday package,” she said.

    Tai said she wanted to visit Korea, but she would discuss with her husband and might take the entire family to Japan if the timing is right.

    The three lucky draw winners were among more than 20 people who won prizes at the Matta Travel Fair here in Johor Baru.

    Matta Johor Chapter chairman Kenny Ngi said that he was pleased with the overwhelming response to the travel fair this year.

    He said that anyone who visited the fair or made a purchase during the fair got a chance to win a prize.

    “We hope to continue this lucky draw trend next year, as it is a good opportunity for visitors to try their luck and be in the running to win prizes,” he said.

    fr:thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/9/17/southneast/6879799&sec=southneast

19. alan on September 23rd, 2010 at 11:31 am

    Travel agency says overbooking cause for hotel ‘downgrade’
    NADIRAH H. RODZI
    NURUL HUDA JAMALUDDIN
    Thursday, September 23rd, 2010 11:09:00

    ZULKARNIEEN of Cheras is dissatisfied with Sri Sutra Travel Sdn Bhd due to a glitch in a holiday package he purchased during the recent Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) Fair in Kuala Lumpur.

    “On Sept 4, I paid RM2,676 for a holiday package for my wife and I inclusive of AirAsia flight tickets from Kuala Lumpur to Denpasar in Bali, accommodation for four days and three nights at the 5-star Patra Hotel, Bali, and return bus tickets from KL Sentral to LCCT Sepang.

    “Two weeks later, a staff from the travel agency called to inform that the Patra Hotel was fully booked. I was in disbelief as prior to purchasing the package, the staff said the hotel was available.”

    ZULKARNIEEN says the Sri Sutra Travel staff offered alternative accommodation at a 4-star hotel and also asked him to pay RM100 more.

    “Their offer was ridiculous and I rejected it. When I checked the travel itinerary, I also noticed the return bus tickets from KL Sentral to LCCT Sepang was omitted from the package,” he says.

    “Only when I complained did the travel agency then include the tickets. It took further protests and enquiries before they found an alternative 5-star hotel.

    “This is no way to treat a customer.”

    ●SRI Sutra Travel Sdn Bhd human capital and administration senior manager C.P. Nadaraja says the matter has been amicably resolved.

    “The problem regarding the hotel room arose because of overbooking by Patra Hotel in Bali due to a local government function scheduled on the same date. However, we have upgraded ZULKARNIEEN’s hotel to the 5-star Hard Rock Hotel at no extra cost to him,” says Nadaraja, adding that ZULKARNIEEN had accepted the offer on Sept 21.

    “With regards to the return bus ticket, it was an oversight. We received thousands of bookings during the Matta Fair and since it was near the Hari Raya holidays, a slight delay was inevitable.”

    fr:mmail.com.my/content/50154-5star-4star

20. alan on October 20th, 2010 at 10:17 am

    First-time visitor to Matta Fair gets lucky

    IT was beginner’s luck for teacher Intan Hazra Abdul Habi, 31, from Shah Alam who participated for the first time and won the Malaysian Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) Fair September 2010 buyers’ contest.

    She won the grand prize of RM20,000 worth of cash vouchers.

    During the fair in September, she and her husband bought tickets to Hong Kong.

    “My husband submitted about 10 contest forms and it was our first time participating in the event.

    “I feel very thankful to have won because it was our first visit and first win,” she said, adding that it would be a great surprise to share with her husband.

    Intan said she would like to visit Japan and see the advanced technology of the country.

    Administrator Roslinda Roslan, 41, from Puchong is a regular visitor to the fair but a first-time participant in the contest.

    Roslinda won RM5,000 worth of cash vouchers.

    “I decided to participate for the first time in the buyers’ contest after seven years of coming to the fair. I submitted four entries for the contest,” she said.

    According to Matta organising chairman John Tan, the contest received 17,000 entries.

    He said they had 77,300 visitors at the fair with RM88mil generated in sales.

    fr:thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/10/20/central/7235964&sec=central

21. alan on November 25th, 2010 at 8:25 pm

    MATTA announces that travel agents will charge a consultation fee
    By PRIYA MENON

    KUALA LUMPUR: Beginning January 2011, travel agencies all over Malaysia will begin charging a consultation fee for producing the best personalised service for their clients.

    The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) announced this at Wisma MATTA in Desa Perdana to reporters.

    According to MATTA president Datuk Mohd Khalid Harun, the fee had been successfully implemented in other countries that had increased the level of service and quality.

    “Over the years, airline commissions have declined, hotel’s internet booking have increased but we are still rendering free services to those who ask for quotations or tour packages even before they confirm their purchase with us,” he said.

    Deputy president, John Tan, added that a lot of work was involved in compiling the quotation and the work could not be done for free anymore.

    “Some corporate clients ask several companies for quotations because it is free and, at the end, only one receives the deal. This is not fair to us. So with this fee they will think twice before doing this. We are educating them,” he added.

    Tan said all clients should decide on the destination, do a little groundwork and decide on their budget so a win-win situation could be found for both parties.

    Khalid added that travel agents were now consultants with their expertise and strengths.

    This fee structure has been configured by their Outbound committee.

    The fee suggested by MATTA is merely a guideline and travel agents are free to change the price according to their service.

    For frequent individual travelers, the charge is RM300 per quotation for both domestic and international travel, while corporate consultation fees are priced at RM200 per quotation for the first three quotations and RM500 per quotation for the fourth quotation onwards for both domestic and international travels.

    “The fee will be absorbed as part of the payment if the client decides to purchase from the agency and one free revision will be given on the same quotation,” added Jeffri Sulaiman, vice president of MATTA Outbound.

    Jeffri also said they would begin road shows around the country to disseminate the information to all their 2700 registered members.

    Khalid added that if customers felt that they were unhappy with the services or the charges they were welcome to lodge complaints with MATTA.

    For more information log on to www. matta.org.my or call 03-92876881.
    fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/11/25/nation/20101125192850&sec=nation