Matta submits wish list to govt
Published on: Tuesday, September 11, 2018
Kuala Lumpur: Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) President Datuk Tan Kok Liang revealed that institutionalising reforms, modernisation of the Tourism Industry Act 1992 and Budget 2019 are part of the association's proposed recommendations to meet the commercial demands of the marketplace."Our wish list for Budget 2019 is focus on : Tax incentives for Tour Vehicles; Accelerated Capital Allowance to encourage modernisation of Tourism Vehicles ; Lower insurance premiums for Tourism Vehicles ; Matching Grant for Advertisement and Website cost of Tour Operators; Tax deduction for cost of developing and improving websites ; and of course the Accelerated Capital Allowance for ICT equipment, software and apps," he said during the official opening ceremony of the Matta Fair September 2018 held at the Putra World Trade Centre. In a rapidly changing business environment and technology disruption, he said it is incumbent of Matta to remain relevant and continue with efforts to meet members need and safeguard the interest of members.
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"I am also pleased to announce that we have successfully formed MATTA Technology, a subsidiary company to capitalise on business digitalisation aim to promote tourism and e-commerce in a bid to remain competitive in the global market.Tan said Matta revs up digitalisation ambition through a technology platform initiative to streamline inventory information from supporting sub-sectors and thereafter leveraged upon using today's powerful technology for the benefit of the Malaysian tourism industry.On the B2B end, he said inventories are to be captured and modularised for quick access and bookings including hotel rooms, flights, trains, coaches, theme parks, tour guides and restaurant. While on the B2C side facing the consumers, he stressed that the platform will be fronted with features for making reservations for hotels, flights, transfers and tours.
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"We have conducted workshops and seminars to empower members with knowledge and skills to compete more effectively and help members to keep up with technological innovations," he added.Citing example, Tab reiterated that the association have been conducting workshops by collaborating with digital marketing experts and service providers to train travel agents on how to improve branding and business operations using the latest software.
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On the bound promotion aspect, Tan said Malaysia's leading Travel association is constantly active with overseas promotions through sales missions to Countries like China, India, Asean countries and Europe including collaboration with airlines and hoteliers to add-value to tourist's holiday experience in Malaysia, making our beloved country the preferred tourist destination.Matta is the sole representative recognised by ASEAN and other national associations for Malaysia and we have leveraged on this platform to promote tourism, he smilingly told Federal Tourism, Culture and Arts Minister Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi who officially declared open this year's tourism event.Matta is a member of ECTAA (The European Travel Agents' and Tour Operators' Associations), Fata (The Federation of Asean Travel Associations), Aseanta (Asean Tourism Association), WTA (World Tourism Alliance) and WTAA (The World Travel Agents Association Alliance)."After the success of the 1st Matta Pavilion at ITB Berlin 2018, Matta will continue the oversea promotion effort with the Matta Pavilion for the 2nd time next year with Malaysia being the "Official Partner Country" at ITB Berlin 2019 for Malaysia promotional outreach to more than 10,000 tourism agencies from over 180 countries," Tan said.Meanwhile, Tan said he is delighted to welcome all distinguished guests, exhibitors and visitors to the Matta Fair September 2018.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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