MELAKA, April 6 (Bernama) -- The MATTA Fair Melaka 2026 is serving as a vital platform to intensify domestic tourism, as geopolitical uncertainties in West Asia continue to impact international travel.
MATTA Fair Melaka 2026 organising chairman Halimah Ahmad said the situation has led to an increase in demand for local and regional travel packages, with Melaka being positioned as a primary alternative holiday destination.
"This includes tourists from East Asian countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea, who are now showing high interest in holiday destinations available in this country.
"At the same time, domestic demand has also recorded an encouraging increase in line with efforts to encourage local tourism," she told a press conference at the MATTA Melaka Chapter Secretariat Office in Bukit Baru here today.
Also present were MATTA Melaka chairman Goh Hock Gin and Tourism Malaysia Southern Region assistant director Norisyam Odzali.
Elaborating further, Halimah said demand among domestic tourists has risen, particularly for unique products such as houseboats in Perak and Melaka, as well as destinations in Sabah and Sarawak.
She said packages for island destinations in the country, such as Langkawi, Pulau Redang, and Pulau Perhentian, remain favourites among travellers.
Meanwhile, Halimah said they are targeting some 20,000 visitors for the MATTA Fair Melaka 2026, which will be held at a shopping mall here from April 17 to 19.
She said the fair offers over 100 domestic and international travel packages and is an annual event that promotes Melaka as a premier tourism destination in Asia and a hub for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE).
The fair is expected to attract more than 30 exhibitors with 40 booths across various segments, including domestic and international, theme parks, local products, and umrah and haj packages. It also promotes 14 state tourism sub-sectors, including history, culture, recreation, health, education, and ecotourism.
-- BERNAMA
