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11 Responses to “Matta Fair 2012 Is Back | Matta Fair Promotion”

1. alan on February 12th, 2012 at 9:56 pm

   Exhibitors to present travel promos clearly and provide insurance

   KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) has introduced new rules for exhibitors at its fair next month to ensure customers receive a fair deal.

   Its organising chairman John Tan said the new rules would ensure the event ran smoothly.

   The fair will be held at Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) from March 16 to 18.

   He said exhibitors would have to present their promotions clearly and provide travel insurance to their customers.

   “We have gained experience from past MATTA fairs and also received public feedback,” he said in his speech during the MATTA fair’s exhibitors briefing and booth selection here yesterday.

   Tan said the number of booths had been increased to 940 this year, from 923 at the previous exhibition.

   “All exhibitor spaces have been taken up and we even have to move the stage to make space for the larger demand,” he added.

   This year’s MATTA Fair is expected to occupy a total area of over 20,500sq m, comprising Halls 3, 2, 1, 1M and the linkway at PWTC.

   Tan said the fair was expected to attract at least 90,000 visitors, with some RM100mil in sales turnover.

   “We hope that the fair will boost domestic and international airline traffic and improve our local tourism industry,” he added.

   The entrance fee for adults is RM3 while children and people with physical disabilities go in free.

   “Customers are advised to use public transport to avoid traffic jams during the two-day fair,” Tan said.

   Holders of Hong Leong Bank MATTA credit card can use their cards to receive special privileges during the travel fair.

   “Each cardholder can use his card and bring a guest to gain free entry via the VIP express lane.

   “They are also entitled to use the MATTA premium lounge for relaxation while shopping for travel deals,” he said.

   fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/2/10/nation/10707424&sec=nation

2. Mr.Mohan on February 14th, 2012 at 11:28 pm

   Do senior citizens have any entrance discounts?

3. alan on February 14th, 2012 at 11:47 pm

   I’m not sure about senior citizens

4. alan on February 17th, 2012 at 10:49 pm

   Travel insurance a must for MATTA members from next month

   The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) will im­­pose mandatory travel insurance on all its members starting March 1.

   Six insurance service providers, namely Ace Jerneh Insurance Berhad, Chartis Ma­­laysia Insurance Bhd, Hong Leong MSIG Takaful Bhd, Kurnia Insurance (M) Insurance Bhd, Lonpac Insurance (M) Bhd and RHB Insurance Bhd, have been appointed for this purpose.

   “Travel insurance does not only benefit insurance companies but more importantly travellers.

   “With insurance, you can put your worries aside if you fall ill, lose your luggage, the trip is delayed or if a member travel agency absconds or becomes insolvent,” said MATTA president Datuk Mohd Khalid Harun.

   He said this at the launch of the outbound insurance scheme and appointment of the six partner insurance companies.

   MATTA insurance sub-committee chairman John Tan said the association had been working with the Tourism Ministry and the insurance companies to come up with an affordable travel insurance scheme.

   “The insurance plans are among the most affordable and can be as low as RM10. The rates vary according to the duration of the trip and destination,” he said.

   “Disciplinary action will be taken against MATTA members who do not comply,” he said, adding that travellers who did not want to buy an insurance package would have to sign a waiver.
   fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/2/17/nation/10752150&sec=nation

5. alan on March 7th, 2012 at 10:22 am

   Fly and win with Firefly

   Travellers stand a chance to win a hamper worth RM12,000 if they spend the most on Firefly packages during the coming Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) Fair in Kuala Lumpur.

   The community airline will also reward the biggest spender of each day with two Malaysia Airlines tic­kets to selected regional destinations during the fair, to be held from March 16 to 18.

   The total value of these tickets are RM14,000.

   MAS/Firefly short-haul chief operating officer Ignatius Ong said AmBank credit card holders would also be eligible for a lucky dip and a Santa Barbara bag for every RM3,000 spent.

   “AmBank credit card holders who make purchases between RM500 and RM2,999 will be eligible to two lucky dips,” he said in a press conference to announce the airline’s participation in the fair yesterday.

   Ong said the theme for Firefly at the event would be “Fly, Stay and Shop” as the airline would incorporate shopping into some of its travel and tour packages.

   “We all know that shopping is an evergreen, year-round activity for Malaysians,” he said, adding that visitors at the Firefly booth could expect a choice of over 20 destinations, including Bali, Ho Chi Minh and Bangkok.

   Packages purchased at the fair would be for the travel period from April 1 to either the end of October or Dec 31.

   Ong said among the tour packages to be offered at the airline’s booth was Firefly Holiday’s Johor Baru shopping package, which is a 3D2N deal that starts from as low as RM359.

   “The package is inclusive of air fare, accommodation and a return transfer from the hotel to the Johor Premium Outlet on the second day,” he said.

   For every package purchased worth RM359, customers would be eligible for a RM50 shopping vou­cher at the Johor Premium Outlet and a chance to win prizes.

   Ong said Firefly Holiday would also offer a 3D2N full board shopping and city tour package to Medan for a minimum price of RM489.

   MATTA chief operating officer Phua Tai Neng said so far, 1,000 booths had been taken up for the fair, to be held at the Putra World Trade Centre.

   “At last year’s fair, a total of 950 booths were taken up and we received 80,000 visitors,” he said.
   fr: thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/3/6/nation/10860281&sec=nation

6. alan on March 13th, 2012 at 7:06 pm

   MATTA: Number of travellers to hit all-time high this year

   Over one billion people are expected to travel worldwide this year an all-time high.

   MATTA president Datuk Mohd Khalid Harun said that looking at the world economy this year, the number of people travelling was expected to increase significantly compared to last year’s figure of 950 million.

   “The number of people travelling within, and in and out of Malaysia is also expected to increase, as it has been rising steadily year after year,” he said at a press conference for the upcoming KL MATTA Fair 2012 here yesterday.

   He added that the fair would have up to 1,016 booths, the highest number so far since the first MATTA fair in 1991.

   Organising committee chairman John Tan reminded travel shoppers at the fair to purchase travel insurance.

   “MATTA has made it compulsory for all our members to offer travel insurance together with their travel packages.

   “In case of an emergency, it is very important that you are insured while travelling,” he said.

   Hong Leong Bank (HLB) group consumer banking COO Moey Tan also announced the bank’s upgraded MATTA credit card.

   She said that the credit card, which was introduced in 2007, had been receiving good response and that more people were expected to sign up for it.

   “Cardholders enjoy more privileges at the fair such as free entry, priority lanes, a limited access VIP lounge, gift redemption and rewards for big spenders as well as a 0% interest instalment plan for up to 12 months.

   “This is our fifth year of partnership with MATTA and we are proud to be able to contribute towards making the fair the one-stop shop for travellers,” she added.

   Visitors who travel to the fair via KTM Komuter can also enjoy a RM1 discount off the entrance fee by showing their ticket stubs.
   fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/3/13/nation/10904218&sec=nation

7. alan on March 15th, 2012 at 8:44 am

   MATTA fair promises great offers for travel shoppers

   Globetrotters can expect to be bitten by the travel bug once again as the KL MATTA Travel Fair comes to town this time bigger than ever.

   Organising committee chairman John Tan said visitors would be spoilt for choice as it would showcase 1,016 booths, a record number of booths since the first MATTA fair in 1991.

   Travel shoppers can also look forward to a long list of new promotions and better deals.

   “Among the new attractions to be expected this year are great deals from MAS in conjunction with the unveiling of their new superjumbo A380 aircraft.

   “There will also be great offers for travel to Japan, which is promoting itself again after recovering from the tsunami last year,” said Tan.

   He said for the first time, MATTA would make it mandatory for all travel agencies at the fair to offer travel insurance to customers.

   “Customers do not have to buy the insurance if they prefer not to but we have made it compulsory for the agencies to offer it,” he said, adding that many other surprises await fair visitors.

   A 68-page MATTA Fair 2012 supplement to help travel shoppers gear up for their upcoming holidays has been included in today’s copy of The Star.

   Look out for highlights in the supplement, such as reviews on European tour packages for Muslims and holiday destinations in Japan and South Korea.

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

   fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/3/15/nation/10918582&sec=nation

8. alan on March 15th, 2012 at 8:45 am

   Special MAS fares for popular holiday destinations

   Malaysia Airlines (MAS) will be offering promotio-nal fares for domestic and international holiday destinations when it partners the KL MATTA Travel Fair at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) from tomorrow to Sunday.

   MAS Malaysia & Asean regional senior vice-president Muzammil Mohamad said this was an opportunity for travellers to plan their vacation for the mid-year school holidays.

   “We are delighted to be a part of the biggest travel fair in Malaysia.

   “There are good deals for our domestic and regional destinations during the three-day carnival,” he said in a statement yesterday.

   Muzamil added that the promotional fares were also available through its website, 24-hour toll-free call centre and its ticketing offices nationwide.

   “Customers buying directly from MAS’ distribution channels are also eligible for a bonus.

   “The highest three spenders stand a chance to win a joyride on the first A380 that is planned for June,” Muzammil said.

   MAS is offering all-inclusive return economy class fares for travel between March 16 to Nov 15 to regional destinations like Manila, Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi starting from RM699.

   Meanwhile, MASholidays is offering holiday packages, inclusive of return economy class air fare, airport transfers at selected destinations, minimum three-star hotel accommodation and breakfast with packages starting from RM493 per person.

   fr: thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/3/15/nation/10921348&sec=nation

9. alan on March 19th, 2012 at 10:38 pm

   Saving the best for last

   Unfazed by the lack of parking space and traffic jams, travel shoppers continued to pour into the Putra World Trade Centre looking for deals on the last day of the KL MATTA Fair 2012.

   Organising chairman John Tan said this year’s fair received better response than expected.

   “On Friday, we prepared 20,000 bags, but 24,800 people came. On Saturday, we increased the number of bags to 30,000, but we fell short by 4,500,” he said at the fair yesterday.

   He added that they had prepared even more bags for the last day as travel agents would try to “lelong” their deals.

   “Even before the fair started, we had a breakthrough in terms of the number of booths. Looking at the response so far, I believe we will achieve our targeted participants and revenue,” he said.

   Tan revealed that one domestic travel agent had told him on Friday that he made more sales that day than all three days put together during last year’s fair.

   Local island holidays and cruise package deals, it seemed, were a big hit.

   Borneo Divers and Sea Sports (Sabah) sales manager Ursula Michael said a large number signed up for diving and snorkelling packages at the Sipadan and Mabul islands in Sabah.

   Avid traveller Chin Wei Tyng, 35, had come to the fair intending to purchase a travel package to Sipadan island.

   “People travel from all over the world to see the island and we Malaysians should appreciate the beauty right on our doorstep,” said the sales executive who is a licensed diver.

   Newlyweds Yusof Hamid, 26, and Nurliffa Abdullah, 25, had chosen to spend their honeymoon on Mabul island.

   “We want a place where we can just relax and enjoy each other’s company,” said Nurliffa, adding that she and her husband both enjoyed snorkelling.

   Civil servant Mohd Shahnizan Mohd Amran, 30, said the fair offered many “island hopping” packages.

   “We will start in Langkawi and then make our way to Pulau Payar and the smaller surrounding islands,” he said.

   A representative from Pearl Holidays said the travel agency’s top seller at the fair was their four-day-three-night package to Redang Island.

   Meanwhile, Star Cruises vice-president of sales Cynthia Lee said that during the first two days of the fair, more than 1,000 people had bought its three-night Penang-Phuket-Krabi cruise package.
   fr:thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/3/19/nation/10944284&sec=nation

10. alan on March 28th, 2012 at 11:28 am

    MATTA fair breaks records with more booths, visitors

    VISITORS packed the exhibition halls of the KL Matta Fair 2012 at the Putra World Trade Centre to find great travel deals on offer for three days starting on March 16.

    The crowd waited patiently in long queues to buy entrance tickets to visit the 1,016 booths at the fair — a record number since the first MATTA fair in 1991.

    There were also food stalls where visitors can enjoy a meal while enjoying back-to-back local and foreign performances.

    Matta fair organising committee chairman John Tan said this year’s fair received better response than expected, with 92,300 visitors.

    “One domestic travel agent told me on the first day of the fair that he made more sales that day than all three days put together during last year’s event,” he said,

    He added that while the total revenue earned was still being compiled, the fair was successful in fulfilling its role as a one-stop place for holiday shoppers.

    China was still on top as the most popular holiday destination during the fair. Local holiday packages were also a big hit.

    Among the more sought after island holiday packages were Sipadan and Redang.

    “People travel from all over the world to see the islands and we Malaysians should appreciate the beauty right at our doorstep,” said avid traveller Chin Wei Tyng, 35, who is a licensed diver, when met at the Borneo Divers and Sea Sports (Sabah).

    Tours to Japan were also picking up as the country recovers at a remarkable rate, after being hit by a devastating tsunami and earthquake early last year.

    The fair will be held at various locations in Malaysia, including Penang (July 6 to 8), Sabah (July 6 to 8) and Malacca (Aug 24 to 26).

    Those who missed the March KL MATTA Fair can look forward to another one, also in PWTC, on Sept 7 to 9.

    fr:h thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2012/3/26/central/10985947&sec=central

11. alan on April 18th, 2012 at 12:30 am

    Couple bags Euro dream – 26 years after marriage

    After 26 years of marriage, a couple finally got the chance to go on a romantic second honeymoon in Europe after winning the top prize worth RM20,000 in the March MATTA Fair 2012 Buyers Contest.

    Sales manager Yong Kok Leong, 51, was elated after drawing the grand prize of the lucky draw contest – a MATTA cash voucher that can be redeemed at any MATTA member travel agency.

    He said he would use it to fulfil his wife’s dream of going on a tour of Europe.

    “We go on family trips almost every year, but only to nearby destinations. The farthest we have been is to South Korea. I am very excited as it has been my lifelong dream to go to Europe,” said his wife Gee Lai Pheng, 50, who accompanied him to the prize-giving ceremony at KL Tower yesterday.

    Gee, who works as a purchaser at a furniture store, said now that their three children were older, she and her husband could make the trip without worrying about leaving them at home.

    Out of 1,830 contest entry forms collected at the fair, Yong and 19 others were selected for the international draw. Eight more contestants drew prizes from the domestic draw.

    The prizes included flights to regional and international destinations and holiday packages sponsored by various airlines, the Macau Tourist Office and the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy.

    Chew Chiaw Foo, 50, who won the grand prize for the domestic draw – a MATTA voucher worth RM5,000 – said he would let his wife choose where they would travel.

    “She has been wanting to go to Japan as she has never been there before. I have been there but I’ll go again, if that’s where she wants to go,” said the branch manager of an audio-visual equipment company.

    Fair organising chairman John Tan, who gave away the mock cheques to the grand prize winners, said the contest was a reward to buyers for supporting MATTA Fair.

    “The contest attracts more people to visit the fair,” he said.

    He said this year’s fair was the largest in the history of the MATTA fair, with 1,016 booths. The fair also recorded 92,600 visitors with a total revenue of RM106mil.

    The next MATTA Fair will be held at PWTC from Sept 7 to 9.

    fr: thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2012/4/17/nation/11116573&sec=nation