KUALA LUMPUR: An online tourism platform which aims to consolidate airlines, tours, hotels, spa, theme parks and travel packages for both local and foreign markets is set to be launched by the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA).

       MATTA president Datuk Tan Kok Liang said the association is expecting to launch the MATTAOnline.Travel site in June.

       “Over the years, tourism players have been facing challenges, and the government is also concerned about foreign online booking engines.

       “This also includes the 35% commission paid to these sites.

       “If all the tourism players put their products and inventories as well as hotels on local sites, then we can share the market profits generated online.

       “So tourism players including public stakeholders should support more local online platforms.

       “These foreign platforms are very strong because all the local players put their inventories online.

       “But if all of us decide not to (place our inventories) onto the foreign sites, then they become nothing,” he said after the launch of the 50th edition of the MATTA Fair here yesterday.

       Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah attended the fair on behalf of Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

       Tan added that now is the time for cooperation – to localise the market for the sake of national interest.

       Earlier in his speech, Tan also urged the government to cap the commission paid to foreign online sites.

       Regarding the fair, Tan said they are expecting between 18,000 and 20,000 people to attend the event this year.

       The MATTA president added that they are also hoping to generate sales of RM40mil to RM45mil.

       “We are quite optimistic.

       “Initially, we predicted a lower number of sales, but with recent announcements and new standard operating procedures, we believe there will be a good turnout,” he said.

       Sarawak is the featured destination at the MATTA Fair 2022, which is currently being held at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTC) from April 9 to 10.

       Sarawak has also taken the three largest booths.

       There are 348 booths spread over two halls at the WTC.