Many prefer to holiday somewhere closer

KUALA LUMPUR: There is a strong demand for holiday packages to domestic and regional destinations at the KL MATTA Fair 2012.

Firefly chief operating officer Ignatius Ong said that apart from the low prices, many were opting for holidays in Malaysia and neighbouring countries because they did not require long flights. He noticed that more travellers were choosing to fly instead of taking a train or bus because it was much cheaper and time-saving.

“More people are also planning their travel and making advance bookings. For instance, we received a lot of advance bookings for travel from May onwards,” he said in a statement yesterday. The most popular was the three-day-two-night holiday package to Koh Samui that came with complimentary airport transfers. Other packages which sold well were to Langkawi, Medan and Hatyai.

“Hatyai is popular among Malaysians for its city attractions, good food and shopping which attract repeat visitors,” he said, adding that Firefly's four weekly flights between Subang and Hatyai will commence on May 2. Ong said Firefly was targeting a 20% increase in sales at this year's fair, adding that customers were also attracted by the contests and rewards offered at Firefly's booth.

“Walk-in customers who make purchases worth a minimum of RM500 at our booth will win a chance for a lucky dip. “Two air tickets on Malaysia Airlines to selected regional destinations will be given to the highest spender on each day, while the overall top spender on all three days will receive a gift set worth RM12,000 inclusive of return air tickets to Koh Samui and accommodation at the five-star Le Mridian Koh Samui Resort & Spa,” he said. Ong said Firely was giving out prizes worth RM130,000 throughout the three-day fair.

-thestar online.