MATTA Fair launches with focus on new experiences
- BT
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
KUALA LUMPUR, 19 April 2025 – The 2025 edition of MATTA Fair kicked off with a launching ceremony, officiated by Menteri Besar of Kedah, Dato' Seri Haji Muhammad Sanusi Bin Md Nor, at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) here this morning. This year’s fair puts a strong focus on exploring new travel experiences both at home and abroad, with Kedah featured as Malaysia’s favourite destination for 2025.
Speaking at the launch, MATTA President, Nigel Wong shared how the fair focussed on moving the country’s tourism scene forward, especially with the upcoming Visit Malaysia 2026. He highlighted exciting efforts to grow niche areas like sports tourism and eco-travel, while also helping local communities benefit from tourism in a more meaningful way.
One of the fair’s main highlights is the launch of the MATTA Eco-Sustainable Tourism Initiative (MESTI), which encourages more responsible travel by focussing on things like wildlife conservation, marine protection, and preserving local culture. Wong also pointed out how MATTA was working closely with travel agents and industry partners to make sustainability more accessible and achievable.
Kedah takes centre stage at the fair this year. With 70 booths and 22 major exhibitors highlighting everything from beautiful landscapes and ancient history to its warm hospitality and rich culture, the state has gone all out to show what makes it so special.
Sanusi encouraged Malaysians to rediscover their own backyard, citing hidden treasures like Sungai Batu in Merbok as one of them. Sungai Batu is an ancient archaeological site believed to be one of the oldest in Southeast Asia that remains mostly unknown to the public.
He said while Langkawi remains a top draw for visitors, mainland Kedah has plenty to offer as well, including scenic paddy fields, charming villages, food trails, and historical landmarks.
As part of their effort to push tourism, Kedah is getting ready for Visit Kedah Year 2025, themed ‘Experience Kedah’, with hopes of inspiring more people to explore its hidden gems.
Also present at the launching ceremony were Organising Chairman of MATTA Fair, Datuk Tan Kok Liang, Managing Director of RHB Islamic Bank and RHB Banking Group, Dato' Adissadikin Ali, and Minister of State for External Affairs of India, Shri Pabitra Margherita, among other.
Running from April 18 to 20, MATTA Fair is free to enter and opens daily from 10am to 9pm.
