Travelers can now preview travel packages on offer at upcoming Matta Fair

KUALA LUMPUR: Travelers and adventure seekers can now have a preview of travel packages that will be offered during the upcoming Matta Fair.

Over 450 packages from up to 100 travel agents would be catalogued online, on www.matta.travel, provided by Smart Online Travel Assistant (Sota).

Sota CEO Joanna Liao said the site allows travelers to look at what is on offer during the Matta Fair, which would be held from Sept 2-4 at the Putra World Trade Centre.

"The site also allows smaller agents to offer unique and niche packages like caving, traveling to Uzbekistan or Boracay. "Such niche packages would be harder to find at the actual fair itself so the site makes it easier for travelers to target their desired travel packages and purchase them at the Matta Fair," she said at a recent press conference.

Liao said that while browsing through the travel packages, consumers could email participating agents directly to request for more information or to make requests for customised packages.

"By bringing together multiple agents onto a single online platform, consumers benefit from the ability to access a wider variety of travel packages whilst having the assurance that they are dealing with legitimate and licensed travel agents."

Matta chief executive officer (CEO) Phua Tai Neng said all packages on the website are offered by tour agencies that were registered under the Tourism and Culture Ministry. "So there isn't any worry of fraud," he added. He also said they were expecting more than 100,000 visitors with a total sales of RM200 million.

Also present at the press conference were Matta secretary-general Nigel Wong, Themed Attractions Resorts & Hotels Sdn Bhd (TAR&H) chief marketing officer Philip Whittaker and Legoland Malaysia marketing director Thila Munusamy. Meanwhile, Whittaker said TAR&H would be offering up to 40 per cent discounts on tickets and passes for Puteri Harbour indoor attractions in Johor and KidZania in Kuala Lumpur. 

Also in conjunction with the Matta Fair, families can enjoy discounted rates at Legoland Malaysia Resort of up to 40 per cent off on the family package and in anticipation of the park's latest attraction, Lego Ninjago: The Ride. "The package includes accommodation at Legoland Hotel, buffet breakfast and two days combo tickets for five people. "We also have up to 35 per cent discount on annual passes, giving visitors unlimited entries for 12 months," she said.
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