KUCHING: Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) Fair in Kuala Lumpur has been rescheduled to May 1 to 3 at the World Trade Centre.
The rescheduling was made because of concerns over the coronavirus epidemic that is affecting economies in the region.
Matta in a press statement yesterday said the travel fair, which was initially scheduled for March, is being deferred due to the adverse effects that recent travel bans and negative public perception caused by indiscriminate social media postings pertaining to the coronavirus have had on the Malaysian tour and travel trade.
It said discussions with industry partners both locally and abroad, coupled with events that are unfolding in the travel space, have resulted in weak forward booking trends by customers who prefer to delay making travel plans until the current global situation shows signs of returning to normalcy.
Matta president Datuk Tan Kok Liang said although the shift in dates will not be convenient to everyone, they are amazed at the level of support and encouragement that they have received from exhibitors, sponsors and trade partners.
“Even now the team is working very hard with industry partners to put together irresistible travel deals in anticipation of a bounce-back in the market.
“History has shown that our travel industry has proven to be very resilient and that Malaysians are an adventurous and hardy lot who won’t stop travelling,” he said.
He said in the meantime, Matta will be working very closely with all participating industry partners to create greater opportunities in preparation for the upcoming fair.
More than 200 exhibitors, ranging from National Tourism Organisations, State Tourism Offices, travel agencies, airlines, theme parks, cruise lines and hotels have registered their participation in the fair.
“Matta is also looking into other exciting initiatives to satiate Malaysians’ love for travel even during this difficult time,” Tan said.
To receive the latest update, public can visit and follow Matta on its official Facebook account at mattafairkualalumpur and Twitter account at MATTA_FAIR.
