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MATTA Fair: Tourism Selangor lines up attractions

KUALA LUMPUR, 22 March 2024: Tourism Selangor is rolling out its top travel products to entice travel consumers browsing for bargains at the MATTA Fair that opened today, Friday, 22 March.

In a press statement picked up by the national news agency Bernama, Tourism Selengar says it is targetting 7 million tourists during the Visit Selangor Year 2025.

Tourism Selangor joins the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents’ MATTA Fair to present 17 attractions throughout the state. Discounts of up to 50% are up for grabs, mainly linked to theme parks and ecotourism and agrotourism attractions.

The three-day travel consumer fair runs from today to the evening of Sunday, 24 March at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur.

The 2023 March edition of the biannual MATTA Fair attracted record crowds of travel bargain hunters, exceeding 17,000 over the three days. In response to complaints of traffic congestion and packed car parks, the organisers introduced a free shuttle service from remote parking areas during the September 2023 edition, and that is once more the key component to manage travel during the three-day event’s opening hours from 1000 to 2100.

The Bernama report estimated the show’s footfall could exceed 25,000 visitors this year.

Hoping to capitalise on the show’s remarkable popularity, the Tourism Selangor Pavilion will replicate visions of Sekinchan paddy fields in the heart of the bustling city of Kuala while headlining Selangor’s northern area, with Sabak Bernam and Kuala Selangor expected to attract visitors,” according to the state’s press statement.

Travel content providers at the Selangor Pavilion (Level 1 domestic hall (3H01 – 3J01) offer 30% to 50% discounts.

Travel attractions at the pavilion
1) HOHO Selangor Bus
2) Malay Customs and Selangor State Heritage Association (PADAT)
3) Maryam Sufi Holistic and Wellness Spa (Natural Therapeutic Forest House)
4) GL Play
5) Eastin Hotel
6) Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort
7) Jumpstreet Asia
8) Farm In The City
9) Sky Mirror Tour & Travel
10) Farm Fresh, UPM
11) Selangor Fruit Valley
12) Wet World Shah Alam
13) KSL Esplanade Hotel
14) Cyberview Resort & Spa
15) Nur Pangsun Valley
16) Chocolate Museum
17) Heritaste Jenjarum

(Source: Bernama plus additional reporting)

Easter family fun at the Cliff

PATTAYA, 21 March 2024: The Royal Cliff Egg Treasure Hunt is open to families. Participants compete to unravel a riddle and search for hidden eggs throughout the resort. 

The winning family will receive an amazing gift, and every participant will also receive goodies from the hotel. The Easter weekend holiday begins on Friday, March 29, and ends on Monday, April 1.

The treasure hunt activity will convene on Sunday, 31 March, at 1000. The price for joining is THB350 net per team for in-house guests and THB 500 net for outside guests, with at least one child below 12 years old and a maximum of four people in each team.

The hotel group will also organise more activities at Funtasea—Kids World, such as Egg Decorating, Towel Bunny Crafts, and Easter Bunny Bowling, with the following packages available.

Date: Sunday, 31 March 2024
Time: 0900 – 1230 and 1330 – 1700
Venue: Funtasea – Kids World, Royal Cliff Beach Hotel Pattaya

Package A for In-house guests at THB350 per child/adult:
Two Easter activities, two games and one hour of playtime.

Package B for outside guests at THB400 per child/adult:
Two Easter activities, two games and one hour of playtime.

For more information or to book your place, contact Funtasea – Kids World via; Email: [email protected]
Tel: (+66) 38-250421 ext. 2064
Line ID: @Royalcliff
Facebook: www.facebook.com/royalcliff
Website: https://www.royalcliff.com/news/easter-wonderland/ 

EAAI meets in Valencia

VALENCIA, Spain, 21 March 2024: Valencia will host the 2024 edition of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) from 31 May to 3 June.

EAACI has a global membership of over 16,000 from 125 countries, and its congress meets annually to unveil the latest research and innovative advancements in allergy and clinical immunology. 

The upcoming EAACI Congress 2024 will meet at the Feria de Valencia, a prestigious convention and exhibition centre known for its modernity and versatility. 

Feria de Valencia plays a pivotal role in the city, hosting various events and fostering business and cultural endeavours within the region. Valencia, situated along the Mediterranean coast, is a vibrant and picturesque city celebrated for its rich historical heritage, awe-inspiring architecture, delectable cuisine, and harmonious coexistence of tradition and modernity.

For more information on the host city Valencia visit https://www.visitvalencia.com/ 
For more on Spain’s travel experiences, visit https://www.spain.info/en/

FCM expands events role

SINGAPORE, 21 March 2024: FCM Meetings & Events, a Flight Centre Travel Group division, has launched a brand-new technology that delivers a booking solution for meetings and group hotel lodging within the MICE industry.

The new FCM Venue Finder, powered by Hubli, includes over 200,000 spaces worldwide with fast and easy online booking. It also offers sustainability solutions with contracting and cost controls.

It follows the recent landmark announcement detailing the global expansion of the M&E business, with JingWen Wong moving into the role of FCM Meetings & Events Leader in Southeast Asia and Greater China to oversee lofty ambitions for an industry sector that is set to boom in 2024.

Events, event travel, and meetings are leading the business travel bounce back globally. Recent research shows that the MICE market size, in terms of revenue, is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6.6% from 2022 to 2030 to reach USD1563.3 billion by 2030.   

“We believe the meetings, events, conferences, and event travel markets are ripe for disruption worldwide – this is an important step in ensuring we have best-in-class technology and experienced professionals to deliver for a flourishing travel market sector,” Wong said.

“It’s clear the demand for in-person connections continues to increase, with recent data showing conferences and events being one of the top two reasons for travel among both business owners and decision-makers. The passion and engagement we’re seeing are very encouraging.

“We’re experiencing and anticipating a steady annual growth rate of demand at 12 per cent year on year for in-person meetings, which means we have some exciting opportunities coming our way.”

Wong said the new FCM Venue Finder platform was user-friendly and effortlessly delivered seamless venue sourcing, event management bookings, innovative sustainability solutions, and cost control to simplify the dynamic MICE world.

“This easy-to-navigate platform gives people fast, real-time access to venue availability and bookings and allows you to select from a global inventory of over 200,000 spaces, including hotels and unique venues,” she said.

Rugby Sevens farewells stadium venue

HONG KONG, 21 March 2024: One of Hong Kong’s biggest international events, the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, will return from 5 to 7 April 2024 to farewell its famous stadium venue.  

Since 1994, Hong Kong Stadium has been the home of the Hong Kong leg of the world’s biggest rugby sevens tournament. Thanks to its vibrant party-like atmosphere in the famed South Stand, it has been instrumental in establishing the city as one of the world’s great sevens cities. Nobody does Rugby Sevens Like Hong Kong.

After 30 thrilling years, this year’s edition marks the final time the tournament will be played at Hong Kong Stadium before moving to the newly opened Kai Tak Sports Park in 2025. Rugby lovers worldwide are invited to the party to say goodbye to Hong Kong Stadium in style.

What’s on at the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2024

This year’s Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens promises another year of thrilling rugby, electric entertainment, and nonstop revelry. The three days of action will include 74 world-class rugby matches featuring the world’s best teams. The Melrose Claymores competition, introduced by Hong Kong China Rugby this year, will also feature across all three days of the tournament, showcasing the top teams in Asian sevens. As usual, there’ll be plenty of action before and after the matches, including the impressive international performance lineup and captivating opening and closing ceremonies.

Beyond the Pitch: Catch the Action Outside the Stadium

The celebrations will also continue at ‘7s in the City’ at the Central Harbourfront Hong Kong Observation Wheel & AIA Vitality Park, where fans can watch matches live and loud on a big screen backgrounded by one of the world’s most iconic cityscapes. Apart from the live streaming, there will be an incredible lineup of bands and DJs to keep the party going, along with fun activities for all ages, game-day treats, and a wide range of drinks to keep the energy levels up.

Dress to Impress and Keep the Party Going

There are plenty of other ways to make the most of the Sevens action, too – like buying a costume from Pottinger Street, the Mong Kok Ladies Market, Sneaker Street or the garment district in Sham Shui Po and joining the colourful array of characters in the lively South Stand. To refuel between matches, hop into a restaurant near the stadium in Causeway Bay or Wan Chai, or kick on to an afterparty in Lan Kwai Fong to continue the festivities.

For a look back at 30 years of Hong Kong Stadium visit Hong Kong Sevens’ website.

(Source : Hong Kong Tourism Board).

Tourism Malaysia leads team to MITT

MOSCOW, 21 March 2024: Tourism Malaysia is attending the three-day International Travel & Hospitality Show (MITT) 2024, taking place at the Crocus Expo Exhibition Centre Moscow until 21 March. 

Tourism Malaysia is attending the event for the 14th consecutive time, joining 768 companies from 30 countries to make MITT the pivotal platform for reaching Russia’s outbound travel market.

Led by Tourism Malaysia’s senior director of international promotion (Americas, Europe & Oceania), Iskandar Mirza Mohd Yusof, the Malaysian delegation comprises tour operators, destination management companies (DMCs), and a hotel representative. They included Lexis Hotel Group, Fun and Sun Holidays, Embassy Alliance Travel Group, PAKS Group, China Travel, ITM Group and Russian Express. 

Commenting on the delegation’s promotions at Tourism Malaysia’s booth, Iskandar Mirza noted MITT 2024 serves as a cornerstone for promoting Malaysia as a premier tourist destination in Russia.

“We are thrilled to unveil Malaysia’s experiences and attractions, solidifying its standing as an unparalleled destination as we gear up for Visit Malaysia 2026.”

Attending MITT followed Tourism Malaysia’s successful participation at the recent Moscow Dive Show 2024, where the agency showcased Malaysia’s breathtaking dive sites. Tourism Malaysia has implemented promotional initiatives to draw more Russian tourists to Malaysia. These include participation in key industry fairs, collaborative efforts with media and travel operators, and comprehensive online marketing campaigns.

Malaysia’s tourism sector is poised for significant growth. The country aims to welcome 27.3 million tourists by 2024 and generate an estimated revenue of MYR102.7 billion. Notably, Russian tourist arrivals should surge 30% in 2024 compared to the previous year. This promising uptick builds upon the substantial rise logged from 33,033 visitors in 2022 to 109,689 in 2023. Looking ahead to Visit Malaysia Year 2026, the country envisions welcoming 35.6 million foreign tourists, projecting receipts of MYR147.1 billion.

Club Med heading for a healthy 2024

SINGAPORE, 21 March 2024: Club Med celebrates its performance in 2023, reinforcing its market leadership in snow and sun holidays worldwide while anticipating a robust outlook for 2024.

Highlights of Club Med’s global achievements in 2023 include business volume reaching EUR1,981M, representing an increase of 17% compared to 2022 and 16% compared to 2019.
Record operating income amounted to EUR174M, an increase of 64% compared to 2022 and 70% compared to 2019.​
Resort capacity increased by 6% compared to 2022 with 97% upscale or very upscale capacity (+10pts vs 2019).

Club Med welcomed over 1.5 million guests in 2023, a 16% year-over-year increase. This growth was driven primarily by a rebound in travel from Asia following pandemic restrictions. The average room occupancy rate reached 70%, reflecting a 3.4 points rise from 2022.​

Looking forward 2024 

The record performance of current first-half 2024 bookings stands at +14% as of 2 March 2024 compared to the same period of 2023, which was already at a record level.

Within the East and South Asia and Pacific (ESAP) region, Club Med achieved strong demand for its premium all-inclusive resorts. The ESAP region doubled its business volume, 102% year over year and 6% over 2019.​ A significant upswing in the number of guests, with a remarkable 43% rise compared to 2022, and reaching pre-pandemic levels.

This increase was partly due to the revenge travel phenomenon, a strong momentum on domestic travel in Japan and Malaysia, and the success of our mountain business (+44% of pre-pandemic performance) supported by the opening of Club Med Kiroro Peak in December 2022, a new mountain Resort in Hokkaido, Japan.​

Southeast Asia 

New Eco-Chic Resort: Club Med Borneo, Malaysia (2025)
Nestled between the woods and the waves in the enchanting landscape of Kota Kinabalu, Club Med Borneo, opening in 2025, will offer a pristine paradise where the jungle meets idyllic white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters.  

Renovation: Club Med Phuket, Thailand (2024)
Club Med Phuket recently completed the first phase of its room renovations, and its guests can look forward to completely redesigned superior and deluxe rooms. In 2024, Club Med Phuket will undergo the second phase, which includes the first-ever Family Oasis in ESAP. The newly extended family zone will feature 32 rooms and a water play area.

Cruise deals at MATTA Fair

KUALA LUMPUR, 21 March 2024: Cruise specialist Hwajing Travel & Tours is back at the MATTA Fair from 22 to 24 March, promoting early bird bargains for cruise packages on Roya Caribbean International’s Anthem of the Seas with seniors eligible for an extra 5% discount.

The 4,000-plus passenger cruise ship will base itself in Singapore from November 2024 to March 2025, offering cruise packages to iconic Southeast Asian destinations.

Photo credit: Royal Caribbean International. Anthem of the Seas.

Hwajing Travel & Tours will highlight a four-day/three-night cruise Singapore-Penang-Singapore. The early bird price tag is MYR1,688 per person, and seniors receive a 5% discount. 

MATTA Fair will be hosted at Kuala Lumpur’s  Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC).

Cruises in the spotlight 

4D3N Singapore-Penang-Singapore from MYR1,688.
5D4N Singapore-Penang-Phuket-Singapore from MYR2,088.
6D5N Singapore-Penang-Phuket-Singapore from MYR2,488.
9D8N Singapore-Celukan Bawang-Bali-Lombok-Singapore from MYR5,988 (*Balcony).
13D12N Singapore-Ho Chi Minh-HongKong-Taipei-Jeju-Tokyo from MYR5,888.

For more details, visit Hwajing Travel & Tours at the show. Booth No 8R05 level 2 at MITEC. The show is open from 1000 to 2100, from 22 to 24 March.

Starting in November 2024, travellers in Singapore and Malaysia can visit new destinations in Southeast Asia onboard Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas. The ship’s home port season in Singapore runs from November 2024 through March 2025.

A new itinerary ex-Singapore is an eight-night Bali getaway. It takes guests to Celukan Bawang and Benoa in Bali and Lombok, where they can explore the beaches, visit the temples, and admire the waterfalls. In addition to the regular three-to-five-night sailings that will visit Penang in Malaysia and Phuket in Thailand, the Anthem of the Seas will also embark on a 10-night Vietnam and Thailand cruise, visiting destinations in Vietnam including Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My) and Chan May in Vietnam. 

THAI announces Summer Flight Schedule

BANGKOK, 21 March 2021: Thai Airways International (THAI) confirms it will schedule flights to 61 destinations worldwide during the summer timetable from 31 March to 26 October 2024, focusing on two new destinations — Milan and Oslo — a substantial increase in direct flights to Europe and almost returning to pre-Covid frequencies for destinations in China.

Intercontinental routes

1. Bangkok – Munich: daily.
2. Bangkok – Frankfurt: twice daily.
3. Bangkok – Istanbul: daily.
4. Bangkok – Stockholm: daily.
5. Bangkok – Copenhagen: daily.
6. Bangkok – Zurich: daily.
7. Bangkok – Paris: daily.
8. Bangkok – London: twice daily.
9. Bangkok – Oslo*: daily (*starting 1 July 2024).
10. Bangkok – Milan*: daily (*starting 1 July 2024).
11. Bangkok – Melbourne: twice daily flights.
12. Bangkok – Sydney: twice daily.
13. Bangkok – Perth: daily.

Regional routes 

1. Bangkok – Sapporo*: daily (*adjusts to triple weekly flights from 1 May 2024, every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday).
2. Bangkok Tokyo (Narita): triple daily.
3. Bangkok – Tokyo (Haneda): twice daily.
4. Bangkok – Nagoya: daily.
5. Bangkok – Osaka: twice daily.
6. Bangkok – Fukuoka: daily.
7. Bangkok – Manila: twice daily.
8. Bangkok – Seoul: triple daily.
9. Bangkok – Taipei: triple daily.
10. Bangkok – Kaohsiung: daily.
11. Bangkok – Hong Kong: four flights daily.
12. Bangkok – Beijing*: daily (*increases to 10 flights per week from 2 July 2024)
13. Bangkok – Shanghai*: daily (*increases to 11 flights per week from 2 July 2024)
14. Bangkok – Guangzhou: daily.
15. Bangkok – Chengdu: daily.
16. Bangkok – Kunming: daily.
17. Bangkok – Phnom Penh: twice daily.
18. Bangkok – Vientiane: twice daily.
19. Bangkok – Ho Chi Minh: twice daily.
20. Bangkok – Hanoi: twice daily.
21. Bangkok – Singapore: 35 flights weekly.
22. Bangkok – Jakarta: twice daily.
23. Bangkok – Denpasar: daily.
24. Bangkok – Penang: daily.
25. Bangkok – Kuala Lumpur: twice daily.
26. Bangkok – Yangon: twice daily.
27. Bangkok – Ahmedabad: daily.
28. Bangkok – Mumbai: 11 flights weekly.
29. Bangkok – Delhi: 22 flights weekly.
30. Bangkok – Bengaluru: daily.
31. Bangkok – Kochi*: triple weekly flights every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday *starting 2 April 2024.
32. Bangkok – Hyderabad: daily.
33. Bangkok – Chennai: daily.
34. Bangkok – Kolkata: daily.
35. Bangkok – Dhaka: twice daily.
36. Bangkok – Kathmandu: twice daily.
37. Bangkok – Lahore: five flights weekly every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday (*increases to six flights weekly every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 15 April 2024).
38. Bangkok – Islamabad: four flights weekly every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
39. Bangkok – Colombo: daily.
40. Bangkok Karachi: five flights weekly every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Domestic routes 

1. Bangkok – Chiang Mai: 35 flights weekly.
2. Bangkok – Chiang Rai: triple daily.
3. Bangkok – Khon Kaen: four flights daily.
4. Bangkok – Udon Thani: triple daily.
5. Bangkok – Ubon Ratchathani: twice daily.
6. Bangkok – Krabi: twice daily.
7. Bangkok – Had Yai: triple daily.
8. Bangkok – Phuket: nine flights daily.

A Sabah shout for Go Malaysia Fair

SINGAPORE, 20 March 2024: Sabah Trade and Tourism Office Singapore gives a shout for the Go Malaysia Fair, which will present Malaysia’s holiday deals from 26 to 28 April 2024 at the Marina Square Atrium Level 2.

The digital component of the fair, which runs from 22 to 28 April and is followed by a three-day physical fair in Marina Square, promises savvy travellers unbeatable deals on bus tickets and travel packages across Malaysia. 

“The Go Malaysia Fair is a highly anticipated travel expo explicitly designed for consumers eager to explore Malaysia’s vibrant landscapes, rich cultures, and exciting attractions. Whether you’re a solo traveller, a family seeking a memorable getaway, or a group of friends in search of adventure, this fair offers outstanding travel bargains,” says the STTOS post.

https://sabahtourism.com/

(SOURCE: STTOS)