MATTA: Don’t miss out on local deals

PETALING JAYA: In view of the upcoming festivities, the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) has urged Malaysians to make plans for a local holiday and take advantage of good deals in the market.

MATTA president –
Datuk Tan Kok Liang

“Malaysia has lots to offer. People can explore the hidden gems of the country. We now also have community-based tourism with new places offering a fresh and exciting experience.“I’m sure Malaysians can spare some time to explore and get to know more about the country’s history and culture, ” MATTA president Datuk Tan Kok Liang (pic)said in an interview.

With more people travelling, he said it would benefit and kick-start the economy again.

He hoped that numerous campaigns by tourism stakeholders, as well as industry players, would help domestic tourism to bounce back.

With the new norm, Tan said business models need to be open such as having a flexible cancellation policy and allowing easy changes to cut-off dates, adding that more attractive packages could also be offered to entice customers to return.

“During the boom time, there was a high occupancy rate, so hotels were a bit rigid but now, let’s work together for a win-win situation for travel agents, hoteliers and consumers to begin to travel again, ” he said.

Tan urged Malaysians to travel safe and to continue to observe standard operating procedure (SOP).

Apple Vacations
Group Managing Director –
Datuk Seri Koh Yock Heng

Apple Vacations Group Managing Director Datuk Seri Koh Yock Heng said while waiting for the country’s border to reopen and the lifting of overseas travel restrictions, the company had started “Go Apple Cuti-Cuti campaign“ to help boost domestic tourism.

“Among the packages include trips to popular places like Langkawi, Sandakan, Mulu cave trekking and orang utan sightseeing tour.

“We believe people can’t wait to travel again since the movement control order (MCO) was enforced in mid-March, ” he said.