Organisers release contingency tickets on second day of fair

PETALING JAYA: Thousands of visitors thronged the second day of the MATTA Fair, eager to snap up holiday offers. Organising chairman John Tan said all entrance tickets were sold out by early evening. “We are selling our contingency tickets now,” he said, adding that the number of visitors is expected to reach 30,000 by 5pm. He said this would surpass the record-breaking 24,300 visitors the three-day fair achieved during its opening on Friday.

Up for grabs: Visitors checking out tour packages to Japan despite the earthquake and tsunami that hit the country on Friday.

However, Tan said a slight dip in travel sales was expected for bookings to Japan as many travellers would be cautious following the earthquake and tsunami. “But we expect business as usual for all other destinations,” he said. Held at Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC), the fair features 990 booths and offers special discounts and rates for travellers.

The fair, which ends today, opens from 10am to 9pm. A contest will be held for both international and domestic buyers, with prizes worth up to RM20,000 up for grabs. Fair visitor Michelle Chin, 23, said she would consider travelling to Japan in two or three months’ time. Pharmaceutical executive Louis Ong, 26, said Japan was definitely still a travel option - just not for the next few months. Five Stars Travel Sdn Bhd general manager Michael Chen said there should be an advisory to inform travellers whether it is safe to go to Japan.

“This will provide better assurance to those who have booked and want an alternative option, or for those who are thinking of booking,” he said. However, Chen said bookings in general were expected to dip slightly for international destinations as there have been “too many natural disasters”. “Local destinations are expected to benefit as travellers may not want to risk their safety, so we’re also looking at more takers for domestic spots like Langkawi or Redang,” he added.

-thestar online.