GEORGE TOWN, May 24 – The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) officially opened the MATTA Fair Penang 2025 on Saturday at the Setia SPICE Arena, marking the return of one of the state’s largest travel trade events with a full-scale showcase aimed at boosting both inbound and outbound tourism.
At the opening ceremony, MATTA President Nigel Wong underscored the association’s commitment to supporting licensed travel agencies, calling the fair a “tangible, practical” platform for business development.
“This Fair is a platform built by the Association, for our members,” Wong said. “It’s where our members take centre stage — offering packages, professional guidance, and curated travel experiences.”
Spanning 7,427 square meters across two floors, the fair features 258 booths from 90 organizations, including 60 travel agencies, one national and four state tourism offices, as well as hotels, a theme park, and an airline. Organizers expect a strong turnout over the three-day event.
Wong highlighted MATTA’s efforts to bolster inbound travel to Penang and Malaysia more broadly, noting the importance of connecting local tour operators with a wider market to “ensure tourism dollars circulate within the country and benefit local businesses and communities.”
The fair also serves as a platform for MATTA’s Eco & Sustainable Tourism Initiative (MESTI), which promotes low-impact, community-based travel and supports conservation and heritage preservation. Wong described MESTI as a “structured, long-term framework” aimed at shaping a more responsible tourism industry.
“The strength of our tourism community — grounded in trust and resilience — is demonstrated at the MATTA Fair,” Wong said in closing. “Let this serve as your space to exchange ideas, form partnerships, and begin your business journey.”
The MATTA Fair Penang 2025 runs until tomorrow May 25.
