KOTA KINABALU: The travel industry is hoping to generate sales of between RM15 million and RM20 million at the upcoming Malaysia Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) Fair Sabah, which is making a return after a two-year absence due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
It will be held on July 9 to 10 at the ITCC shopping mall in Penampang.
Its organising chairman Alicia Gomes said many people are eagerly waiting to travel now following the reopening of international borders and relaxation of the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for travelers.
Among the popular destinations include China, Australia, Turkey and Dubai as well as pilgrimage tours, she told the media during a press conference at the Matta Sabah Chapter office, here today.
Also present were MASwings commercial support manager Aznah Marsha Omar and Malaysia Airlines Bhd commercial sales for Sabah and Labuan head, Mahzan Mat Salleh.
"Prior to Covid-19, sales generated from the fair had always been around RM25 million. We expect it to be around RM15 to RM20 million this time around," said Gomes.
Matta Sabah chairman Lawrence Chin said visitors will have the opportunity to buy from a wide variety of value-for-money domestic and international holiday packages from over 80 participating companies.
The Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) will be the official airlines for the fair and they will be giving away 24 tickets for the buyers' contest.
Lucky winners will stand a chance to win tickets to Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi and Denpasar, courtesy of Malaysia Airlines Bhd while Firefly is sponsoring a flight to Penang.
Chin believes with the collaboration and support from MAG together with Firefly and MASwings, it will be a crowd-puller to further boost and revive the international and domestic tourism industry.
He said visitors planning to visit the fair must comply with the SOP by wearing face masks at all times in the mall.
Admission is free. The fair will be held from 9am to 7pm over the two days.