KUCHING: The Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents (MATTA) Fair, Malaysia’s largest consumer travel event, officially began today (Aug 31) at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).
The event’s opening ceremony was officiated by Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Ministry Deputy Permanent Secretary Desmond Douglas Jerukan.
During his speech, Desmond commended MATTA for selecting BCCK as the venue, noting that it provides an ideal setting with a positive atmosphere for consumers to explore a wide range of travel packages in a world-class business environment.
“MATTA’s unwavering passion and effort to promote Sarawak, and ultimately Malaysia, as a world-class destination for culture, adventure, nature, food, and festivals is appropriately timed as the global travel industry rebounds towards pre-pandemic levels,” he said.
He noted the importance of synchronising efforts with the government’s initiatives, especially in anticipation of Visit Malaysia Year 2026, to enhance Malaysia’s appeal as an international tourist destination.
Desmond also called upon all tourism players to consolidate their efforts to strengthen the industry and market, emphasising the need for unity, as reflected in this year’s Merdeka theme,“Malaysia MADANI, Jiwa Merdeka.”
“MATTA must be united (MATTA UNITED), and this means MATTA should Never Walk Alone towards that goal and target set by our country’s leadership,” he added.
Apart from that, he stressed the role of Sarawak’s tourism industry in the state’s Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, noting that tourism is one of the key economic growth engines identified for Sarawak’s journey towards becoming a fully developed state by 2030.
Desmon further emphasised the importance of leveraging groundbreaking travel innovations and technological advancements, as well as the improved accessibility and connectivity resulting from enhanced road and internet infrastructure.
“In organising today’s event, MATTA is also contributing to the accelerated growth of global travel and the prosperity of Malaysia’s tourism industry,” he said, adding that the fair offers a high-impact platform for securing investment opportunities and showcasing the best travel deals for consumers.
