International performances featuring a kaleidoscope of captivating cultural performers, colourful costumes and mesmerising modern dances from Asian countries were a big hit with the crowds of visitors to Malaysia Association Travel and Tour Agents (MATTA) Fair II September 2009.
The 3-day MATTA Fair II 2009 opened at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC), Kuala Lumpur, September 4 – 6, 2009 with more than 860 booths occupying a total space of over 20,000 sq. metres and offering a wide variety of domestic and international discount travel packages, value-for-money air tickets and other travel related products.
The crowd is still there but smaller as compared to the last MATTA fair held in March 2009. According to a director and general manager of a leading travel agency, his company had recorded a 20% drop in sales as consumers and business remain cautious by cutting back their travel plans in the face of the challenging economic conditions and the recent H1N1 flu pandemic.
According to the latest figure released by the Malaysia Health Ministry as at 6th September 2009, the dealth toll due to the influenza A(H1N1) are recorded at 73 cases with anoher 332 cases confimed with H1N1 positive now being treated at hospitals throughout the country, including 52 who are in intensive care units (ICU).
The dancers with their pretty smiles from the Land of Smiles (Thailand).
The beautiful music and dances presented by these bevy of beauties from Thailand.
Graceful performers: A Thai dance at the Matta Fair September 2009 in Kuala Lumpur.
The Thai dancers rendering a traditional umbrella dance number.
A traditional Thai cultural dance executed with extreme grace and poise.
The dance performers from Taiwan put up a show called My Beloved Homeland.
The Taiwanese dancers delighted the audience with their dynamic act.
The Taiwanese dance troup delighting the audience with music, dance and acrobatics.
An entertaining heart stopping high energy dance musical from South Korea called Sachoom which was a hit with the audience. These Koreans really know how to entertain.
The Sachoom dance troupe from South Korea put up a splendid show.
The Baby Battle Bboy from South Korea with their thrilling breakdance moves.
The comic martial arts performance from Korea called “Jump” had the audience in stitches with their funny performance.
The “Jump” show is filled with spectacular kung fu actions which can only be seen on movies.
Popular Hongkong singer, actress and chef Maria Cordero (her fans nicknamed her Fat Mama Maria) who is of Portuguese-Chinese blood vowed the audience with her rendition of local all-time favourite Rasa Sayang.
Maria Cordero shaking hands with her fans.
The crowd at Matta Fair II September 2009. Despite the big crowd, it saw a drop in the number of visitors compared to the last event held in early March 2009.
Cautious visitors wearing face masks provided by the organizer in the wake of the influenza A(H1N1) pandemic.
The large crowd in search of deals and found they had plenty to choose from.
AirAsia is the biggest exhibitor at the Matta Fair with a total of 30 booths.
AirAsia’s recently launched new route to Chengdu in western China is a hit with travellers.
Pretty sales promoters with their enticing smiles.
Get a taste of Macau: Great packages on offer await visitors about the great holiday destination Macau is onboard the “Experience Macau Bus”. The Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) launched the Experience Macau Bus Tour in conjunction with the Matta Fair to celebrate its upcoming 10th year anniversary of the Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) establishment.
The Macau pavilion in the shape of the facade of St Paul’s church.
The sales promoters dressed in traditional Japanese yukata.
These two sales promoters wear the traditional Korean hanbok.
The snowman mascot promoting Korea Sparkling which symbolizes the lively energy of the Korean people and culture which every visitor will surely experience while traveling in Korea.
The sales team of a travel agency dressed up in Japanese yukata to welcome visitors.
The white castle booth promoting Hong Kong Disneyland.
A booth with a Halloween pumpkin to attract visitors to Hong Kong Disneyland which will be transformed into a “Dark World” during the Halloween season.
Muslim Package: (From left) Sales staff Tasmin, Leen and Ina at Poto Travel and Tours booth which offers travel packages inclusive of halal food and prayer times for muslims.
Staff Hidayah (left) and sales promoter Azrein at Roystar Travel & Tours booth offering special overseas tours, including to Beijing, China and Gold Coast, Australia for muslim travellers with English or Malay speaking tourist guides, halal food and visit to local mosques.
Free iced-cool coffee sponsored by Indocafe to quench every visitor’s thirst.
Free shoulder and neck massage for everyone at the Thailand booth.
Colourful decorative umbrellas in various sizes at the Thailand booth.
This is the best time to travel with Garuda Indonesia which offers a “Stay 2 nights & get 1 night free” under its various packages to Jakarta and Bandung.
It’s not all about cheap prices nor discount. Real values does matter at Sri Sutra Travel.
The Transtar Travel luxurious coach offering 5,200 seats travelling from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore at RM52.00 in celebration of Malaysia’s 52nd anniversary of Hari Merdeka (Independent Day) this year.
Attractive and cheerful Fiza (left) and Edayu of the online travel portal Transtar Travel.
UiTM Shah Alam undergraduates (from left) Farah, Aatif and Azwa in traditional Korean hanbok at the Matta Fair September 2009. The university students conducted a tourism survey entitled “Why Choose Korea as a Travel Destination” among visitors to Matta Fair for researcher Han Hee-Joo who is a Ph.D candidate of Kyonggi University in Seoul, Korea.
Cute kangaroo and koala bear mascots are an attractions at the Matta Fair.
The clown amused and delighted children at the Matta Fair.
For RM15.00 visitors get a free cap, lucky draw and a chance to land a plane at the Firefly simulator booth.
The South African High Commission has a booth to promote awareness of the FIFA World Cup 2010 which will be held in Johannesburgh, South Africa from 11th June – 11th July 2010. Its Deputy Head of Mission counsellor Andre Van De Venter (right) with his two assistants posed with Zakumi the leopard mascot for the beautiful game.
Children playing a football match on Sony playstation at the South African High Commission booth.
Face painting booth is great fun for many visitors. A young girl has her arm painted with the motif of a South African flag.
James Wong (standing right) and his family members posing next to Zakumi the mascot leopard for the FIFA World Cup 2010.
