Kota Kinabalu: The Sixth Malaysia International Travel Mart (MITM) Sabah 2024 will take place at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) on July 27-28.
This travel fair will be yet another platform by the Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association (MCTA), Sabah Chapter to promote both inbound and outbound tourism to cater to varied travel preferences.
State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew made this observation after a recent courtesy call by a delegation from MCTA, Sabah Chapter to brief her on the upcoming event.
“MITM Sabah 2024 is in tandem with the Government’s vision for tourism growth. I call on travel enthusiasts to patronise this travel trade show to explore new travel destinations as it offers a wide range of choices to suit all tastes.
“We may also see a surge in domestic tourism, given the tourism offerings that will be displayed by participants from other states like Penang, Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Selangor, Johor and Sarawak,” she said.
Liew has been invited to officiate at the event on July 27.
MCTA Sabah Chapter Chairman Vincent Sia said some 76 exhibitor booths will be given the most premium exhibition space to showcase the latest travel destinations and travel experiences to travellers.
Exhibitors consist of travel agencies, tourism boards and airlines from Malaysia, Sabah in particular, China and Indonesia, among other tourism stakeholders.
“Our objective is to access a diverse audience of travel professionals, potential partners and media representatives. In this respect, we have invited local travel agencies and those from other states to promote ‘Cuti Cuti Malaysia’ featuring islands, resorts and hotels, not forgetting community-based tourism (CoBT) destinations in Sabah.
“AirAsia’s new direct flights to China, Bali and Manado (departing from Kota Kinabalu) will be highlighted at the MITM Fair with various types of tour choices for travellers,” he explained.
Tenom is one of the new markets targeted for promotion, apart from tourism players selling Sandakan, Tawau and Semporna tour packages, Sia said.
According to him, B2B (Business to Business) sessions will be held, too, to create networking opportunities for Sabah as the seller and buyers from other Malaysian states, China and Indonesia.
Highlights of the MITM Travel Fair Sabah 2024 include lucky draws with prizes worth up to RM100,000, offer of special air tickets such as ‘Buy 1 Free 1’ by China Southern Airlines for departure from Kota Kinabalu, and special discounted airfares to a few designated destinations by Firefly.
Also present were the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Josie Lai Mei Sing, MCTA Sabah Adviser Lawrence Wong and Deputy Chairman Amity Wong.
