LONDON RIOTS WILL IMPACT TOURISM - MATTA

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 11 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Association of Tour and
Travel Agents (Matta) says the riots in London and several cities in Britain
will have an impact on the number of tourists visiting the country.

Matta presiden Mohd Khalid Harun said that the unexpected riots would
also impact negatively on the country's tourism industry.

"The number of tourists who want to travel to the country maybe slightly
affected, but we do not know how much.

"People who know about the riots will not visit the country and they might
not change their minds as long as the riots are not over," he told a news
conference on 32nd Matta Fair, here Thursday.

Mohd Khalid said that the fair will be held for three days, starting
tomorrow, at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) here, with a target of
attracting 80,000 visitors and total sales of RM100 million. (USD1=RM3.00)


"After the success of previous exhibitions, we have attracted 211
organisations to participate in this year's Matta Fair and 945 exhibition booths
will be opened this time," he said.

Mohd Khalid also said that Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) will be
offering a 25 per cent discount to passengers using its Intercity service to
visit the fair.

"We also offer travel vouchers worth RM20,000 to the lucky visitors who come
to our exhibitions," he said.