Matta Fair Sarawak returns with 138 booths

KUCHING (March 28): The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) Fair Sarawak 2026, held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), brings together 138 booths featuring a wide range of domestic and international travel packages.

According to Matta Sarawak Chapter chairman Oscar Choo, the event continues to serve as a trusted one-stop platform for travellers to plan their holidays with licensed and reputable tour operators.

“We are proud to present a record-breaking 138 booths, an increase from 108 last year,” he said in his speech at the launch.

“From pristine beaches and vibrant cities to tranquil highlands and rich cultural experiences, there is truly something for every traveller.

“With exclusive offerings from licensed and reputable tour operators, we strive to give consumers peace of mind, knowing their travel investments are in safe and professional hands,” he added.

Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan officiated at the event, where Matta president Nigel Wong was also present.

Adding on, Choo expressed confidence that Matta Fair Sarawak 2026 would surpass previous records in both visitors’ turnout and sales.

“In our last edition held in August 2025, we welcomed over 13,000 visitors and achieved sales exceeding RM10.8 million in just two days, surpassing our RM10 million target,” he said.

To further enhance the visitor experience, official airline partner Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) is offering attractive flight ticket giveaways as part of the ‘Buyers’ Contest’.

“Prizes include a pair of Business Class return tickets from Kuching to Chengdu, as well as pairs of Economy Class return tickets to Paris, Danang, Krabi, and Cebu,” added Choo.

There are also other sponsors contributing hotel stays and vouchers including Damai Beach Resort, Damai Lagoon Resort, Grand Margherita Hotel, Hilton Kuching, Pullman Kuching, Riverside Majestic Hotel, and Sarawak Tourism Board.

RHB Bank Berhad has also returned as the official banking partner, in a collaboration aimed at strengthening financial solutions for Matta members, industry players and travellers.

Choo also announced that the Matta Malaysia Pickleball Grand Slam (MPG 2026) would return this October in Kuala Lumpur, following the success of its inaugural edition in Kuching, which registered over 800 players from 11 countries, and hosted more than 1,500 spectators.

“To all pickleball enthusiasts, do stay tuned,” he said.

Meanwhile in his remarks, Snowdan viewed Matta Fair Sarawak as being more than just a marketplace.

“It is a strategic platform that facilitates investment, fosters partnerships, stimulates demands, and connects Sarawak to regional and global tourism networks.

“It is also a reflection of Sarawak’s readiness to move confidently into the next phase of tourism growth – one that is more resilient, more innovative, and more sustainable.

“This fair underscores Sarawak’s growing confidence in positioning itself as a competitive tourism destination under the Post-Covid 19 Development Strategy 2030.

“As we look ahead, we must continue to strengthen our value proposition – focusing not only on numbers, but also on quality, sustainability and meaningful visitor experiences.”

Snowdan also commended Matta’s proactive approach in expanding beyond conventional travel segments.

“The introduction of sports tourism, especially through emerging trends such as pickleball, reflects a forward-thinking mindset that embraces new market opportunities, diversifies our tourism portfolio, and enhances Sarawak’s competitiveness on the global stage.

“This is the kind of industry leadership we need: bold, adaptive and future-oriented.”

On a related subject, Snowdan said efforts were being made to attract more regional visitors as global conflicts, particularly in the Middle East, had prompted many travellers to shift their plans to safer destinations such as Southeast Asia.

In this regard, he pointed out that the ongoing unrest had led many tourists to cancel trips to the Middle East and parts of Europe, creating an opportunity for Sarawak to position itself as an alternative destination.

“In this respect, Sarawak is actively capitalising on this shift by intensifying promotional efforts to showcase its diverse tourism offerings,” he said.