KOTA KINABALU: After the success of the Sabah MATTA Fair in May, organisers have scheduled a second edition to be held in October.

       Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel (MATTA) Sabah chairman Christina Wahida Kong said its members had asked for this second fair.

       “With the rapid opening of borders and more direct flights coming into Sabah, MATTA Sabah members want to work again with the state tourism ministry to develop a balanced flow of tourists in and out of the state.

       “As it is, airlines also need outgoing tourists to sustain their operations. Our members are eager to create packages to fill up the seats,” Kong, the newly-elected chairman of Sabah MATTA, said during a courtesy call on state Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew.

       Liew said the state government fully supported MATTA’s second fair as it augured well for Sabah tourism and because there was demand for such travel fairs from the public.

       She advised Kong and her new committee to work with the Sabah Tourism Board and airlines in organising the second MATTA fair for the year.

       “It’s a good idea, and the right time. Go for it to grow your business. We will give you full support within our capacity.

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       “Get as many tour and travel agents (including non-members) as well as those from Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak to participate for maximum returns,” she added.

       Liew agreed that there was a need to strike a balance between inbound and outbound tourism, and suggested cheaper or discounted airfares as an incentive to potential travellers from Sabah planning to visit China, for example.

       The second fair will be held at the Sabah International Convention Centre here from Oct 13-15 and Liew is expected to launch it on Oct 14.

       Former Sabah MATTA chairman Lawrence Chin said the first fair saw sales turnover of over RM25mil and more than 15,000 visitors over three days.