ANOTHER TOURISM FAIR ?

Last weekend people with all sorts of mission were at PWTC to see the MATTA Travel Fair and two months from now the same people will be going to the third Malaysian Tourism Fair (MTF) which will be held at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) Kuala Lumpur from May 20 to 22. Organised by the National Tourism Council of Malaysia (NTCM) and supported by Tourism Malaysia, this is the third time the annual fair is being held.

MTF organising chairman and NTCM president Datuk Shamsul Falak Abdul Kadir said as the premier domestic tourism fair, the MTF will showcase what Malaysia has to offer to the domestic market which includes not only Malaysians but the international communities including expatriates who are residing in the country.

“All sectors of tourism will be represented and this includes destinations, products and attractions. eco-tourism, heritage and culture, health and wellness, MICE, sport and events, lifestyle and leisure as well as tourism related services,” he told a press conference.

He added that last year the fair had some 190 booths were taken up and this year they were targeting 240 booths and 30,000 visitors to the three-day fair. Key exhibitors include Tourism Malaysia, State Tourism Boards, organisations, hotels, resorts, airlines, spas, travel agents, tour operators, product and handicraft suppliers, bridal houses and others.

Tourism Malaysia deputy director general Datuk Amirrudin Abu, who was also present at the press conference, said they were participating in the fair as part their effort to encourage domestic tourism.

“Supporting the event, Tourism Malaysia will be participating with 60 booths and will promote the CutiCuti 1Malaysia which is a known branding of tourism throughout Malaysia,” he said. “The domestic tourism industry not only brings economic benefits for the country but also promotes national integration as we learn to appreciate the diversity of Malaysia,” he added.

Consumer contests, lucky draws and other events will be organised in conjunction with the fair. RHB Bank Berhad is the Gold Sponsor and official card of the fair.