style="text-transform: uppercase;">Kota Kinabalu: Matta Fair Sabah 2018 will be held at the Suria Sabah shopping mall, here, on July 27-29."For this year, a total of 102 booths have been taken up by 45 exhibitors comprising travel agents focusing on inbound and outbound travel, travel-related companies, airlines, banks, hotels, National Tourism Boards, the Malaysian Aviation Commission, tourism college and NGOs," said Matta Fair Sabah 2018 organising chairperson Alicia Gomes.

Matta Fair is expected to boost the local travel industry as air connectivity is dependent on a two- way traffic between different destinations. Consumers can expect unbelievable low fares to Asean and East Asia destinations.

"This year, our national carrier Malaysia Airlines has come all out to support the Matta Fair Sabah 2018.

"MAS Sales Executive, Commercial for Sabah and Labuan, Mahzan Mat Salleh, said special fares and flights bargains are on average 35 per cent off on selected destinations.

"This year is expected to be a very dynamic fair ever with the estimated number of visitors at 85,000.

One of the venues of achieving this target is to have higher expenditure on advertising and promotion.

"Knowing today's changing trend, there are different ways of reaching out to the younger generations.

Hence, this explains our move into social medias," she added.

There will be shows and activities during the three days, from 10am to 9pm, and lots of lucky draws to be won for those who spend RM500 and above at the fair.

Lucky draw prizes range from return air tickets from Kota Kinabalu to Taipei on Business Class, Tarakan, Mulu, Sandakan and Surabaya, sponsored by Malaysia Airlines, MASwings and Royal Brunei Airlines.

There will also be other prizes, including overseas ground arrangements, local hotel stays, discount vouchers on tours and others.

"Matta Sabah Chapter works with local tourism institutions and during the Fair, provides practical training for tourism students to gain exposure in promoting consumer fairs and managing an event," said Alicia.

Deputy Chief Minister-cum-Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Christina Liew will grace the occasion, together with Matta President Datuk KL Tan, Matta Sabah Chairman Lawrence Chin and all the Matta Sabah committee members.