Exhibitors to present travel promos clearly and provide insurance

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) has introduced new rules for exhibitors at its fair next month to ensure customers receive a fair deal.

Its organising chairman John Tan said the new rules would ensure the event ran smoothly. The fair will be held at Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) from March 16 to 18. He said exhibitors would have to present their promotions clearly and provide travel insurance to their customers.

Placement: MATTA fair deputy organising chairman Boris Chang calling out names of exhibitors during the briefing and booth selection at Putra World Trade Centre yesterday.

“We have gained experience from past MATTA fairs and also received public feedback,” he said in his speech during the MATTA fair's exhibitors briefing and booth selection here yesterday. Tan said the number of booths had been increased to 940 this year, from 923 at the previous exhibition. “All exhibitor spaces have been taken up and we even have to move the stage to make space for the larger demand,” he added.

This year's MATTA Fair is expected to occupy a total area of over 20,500sq m, comprising Halls 3, 2, 1, 1M and the linkway at PWTC. Tan said the fair was expected to attract at least 90,000 visitors, with some RM100mil in sales turnover. “We hope that the fair will boost domestic and international airline traffic and improve our local tourism industry,” he added.

The entrance fee for adults is RM3 while children and people with physical disabilities go in free. “Customers are advised to use public transport to avoid traffic jams during the two-day fair,” Tan said.

Holders of Hong Leong Bank MATTA credit card can use their cards to receive special privileges during the travel fair. “Each cardholder can use his card and bring a guest to gain free entry via the VIP express lane. “They are also entitled to use the MATTA premium lounge for relaxation while shopping for travel deals,” he said.

-thestar online.