Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) is targeting up to 180,000 visitors for the 59th edition of the MATTA Fair, driven by strong interest in domestic and international travel offerings.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, MATTA president Nigel Wong stated that the expected turnout aligns with previous editions, with domestic tourism witnessing an overwhelming response this year. "We are expecting a turnout anywhere between 150,000 and 180,000 visitors," he mentioned during a press conference.

Wong highlighted that fairgoers interested in local experiences would have more choices this year, with the domestic hall fully booked and a significant waiting list. This year's fair will showcase a wider variety of destinations, including popular choices such as Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan, as well as new participants from Central Asia, including Uzbekistan and Almaty in Kazakhstan. "Uzbekistan is very interesting because it's very rich in Islamic history with well-known monuments and attractions, and it's much easier to get to Uzbekistan now than it was previously," he added.

Additionally, Wong noted that China would have a strong presence through several provinces featured in the China Pavilion, along with destinations like Guam, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Tanzania, Tokyo, Turkiye, and the Philippines. To enhance visitor engagement, the three-day event will also include special appearances and activities hosted by local radio personalities and celebrities.

The MATTA Fair 2026 is scheduled to be held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) from September 4 to 6. The fair will span more than 40,820 square metres across 10 exhibition halls, featuring over 2,026 booths from 285 participating companies.