Malaysia's Sabah State MATTA Fair 2016 To Surpass Sales Target

KOTA KINABALU (Sabah, Malaysia), May 13 (Bernama) -- The recently concluded Sabah Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) Fair recorded an estimated sales of US$7.43 million (RM30 million), up 30 per cent, compared with the previous year. More than 50,000 visitors thronged the fair with 48 exhibitors participating including SilkAir, Royal Brunei Airlines, Indonesian Tourism, Taiwan Tourism and Popular Express Travel Sdn Bhd. Organising-cum-Sabah MATTA Chapter Chairman Robert Chong said on the opening day on May 6, it was estimated that sales of between US$1.24 million (RM5 million) and US$1.98 million (RM8 million) would be clinched. (US$1 = RM4.03) "I believe the latest figures show that consumers have confidence in the products and are getting good value for money," he said in a statement Thursday. "In Asia, the top three most popular destinations among travellers this year is China, Japan and South Korea whereas Bali was most sought after destination in the region. Italy is the most favoured city in Europe," he said. The fair was officiated by Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Masidi Manjun. Among exhibitors at the fair were SilkAir, Royal Brunei Airlines, Indonesian Tourism, Taiwan Tourism and Popular Express Travel Sdn Bhd. -- BERNAMA