Matta Fair set to offer better deals

THE global economic crisis will not have a negative impact on the Matta Fair, which has been an astounding success thus far.

The organisers are confident that the gloomy financial situation will not be a dampener to the popular fair, and that it would even play a pivotal role in spurring the economy to better growth.

Matta (Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents) Fair organising committee chairman Datuk Mohd Khalid Harun said suppliers, hoteliers and airlines, both local and abroad, had expressed positive sentiments that they looked forward to the fair in March as it would be a good opportunity to promote their products.

“Indonesia and Turkey enquired about taking up 20 booths each at the coming fair, while other industry players are raring to offer even more attractive products to lure consumers who are more careful with their budget,” he said.

According to him, Thailand, which was rocked by political turmoil in recent months, would be offering even cheaper and better packages to regain travellers’ confidence, while other coun­tries would be equally pro-active.

He felt that such efforts and offers would appeal to Malaysian consumers whose purchasing power had not been affected drastically.

“The government has not imposed salary cuts nor retrenchment, so civil servants will receive the same salary next year. Over in the private sector, not many local companies have wound up, while those that have shrunk their operations have cut down on foreign manpower, so the locals are not too badly affected,” said Khalid, who is the association’s deputy president.

He projected a more prosperous year ahead with the implementation of the government’s stimulus packages, adding that it would also be a time when travellers revisit their shelved plans as the political scenario becomes stable again.

“Our economy is on the right track, as is our tourism industry. We should all work together for a better 2009. The Matta Fair that takes place in the first quarter of the year would be a great start,” he added.

He said the fair would maintain its prices and incentives. It is targeted to be as popular as last year’s, with 70,000 visitors and 200 exhibitors. A total of 900 booths, in three halls, are now open for booking.

The Matta Fair March 2009 is scheduled for March 13 to 15 at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) in Kuala Lumpur. For details, call 03-9287 6881, fax to 03-9287 6880 or 03-9287 3881, or visit www.matta.org.my.