Travel fair to showcase Terengganu

Terengganu promotion: Tengku Zaihan (second from left) and Hamzah holding up a banner when announcing Terengganu’s pick as Malaysia’s Favourite Destination for the weekend’s fair. With them are Beautiful Terengganu secretariat marketing and promotion manager Ahmad Fathil Abd Ghani (left) and MATTA CEO Phua Tai Neng.

KUALA LUMPUR: The delights of Terengganu will be showcased at the three-day Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) Fair which starts on Friday.

The state will have 16 booths at Hall 4 of the Putra World Trade Centre featuring the theme “Destination Tereng­­ganu”.

“The beautiful state is well-known for its pristine islands, sandy beaches, historical sites, unique arts and culture, cuisine and warm hospitality of the people,” MATTA president Datuk Hamzah Rahmat said.

It is all part of the “There’s More to Terengganu Than What You Know” tagline.

Terengganu Tourism and Cultural Affairs committee deputy chairman II Tengku Zaihan Che Ku Abdul Rahman said there would be focus on the Terengganu inland besides its beautiful beaches.Mentri Besar Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman is expected to launch the booths at the opening ceremony on Saturday.

“We want to increase the number of visitors to Kampung Cina and to highlight the Peranakan culture; from their dances to the cuisine and the way they dress,” Hamzah told reporters yesterday.

Tengku Zaihan said there were also homestays where people could immerse themselves in the Peranakan culture.

He also said that the number of turtles laying eggs at the turtle conservation sites had increased in recent years. This could be among the attractions when the turtles come ashore from June to September.

“Just two months back, I saw turtles laying their eggs. They are very smart as they built two or three nests as ‘dummies’ before laying in their real nest.”

“It really is one of those things you must experience at least once in your life,” he said.

Tengku Zaihan also noted the many tourist attractions around Tasik Kenyir, which is the largest man-made lake in South-East Asia.

Among the attractions are the Kelah (Red Mahseer fish) Sanctuary, Kenyir Elephant Conservation Village, Kenyir Waterpark and Kenyir island-hopping to Pulau Herba, Orchid Island and Butterflies Island.

He said there would be value for money packages offered by tour and travel agencies at the booths for scuba diving, river cruise and occasions like honeymoon.

The Beautiful Terengganu Secretariat will also showcase songket weaving while Suktra Terengganu will have performances to promote the state’s arts, culture and heritage.

Terengganu is the fourth state promoted as Malaysia’s Favourite Destination for MATTA Fair after Sabah, Johor and Malacca.

The 46th Matta Fair will have 1,206 booths in six halls which will also showcase other local and international tour and travel packages and destination from tourism organisations around the world.

-thestar online.