MATTA Fair Sabah 2025 showcases 140 Booths and 51 Travel Providers

8 May 2025

KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) Fair Sabah 2025 will be held from 9 to 11 May at the Kinabatangan Hall 2 and 3 of the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC). Organised by the MATTA Headquarters and Sabah Chapter, the three-day event aims to inspire travel ambitions and showcase a wide range of quality offerings to all visitors.

During the fair, there will be a gathering of leading travel providers, airlines, and tour specialists, featuring over 140 booths — a substantial increase from previous editions. With an extensive selection of travel options and trusted services from licensed MATTA members, attendees can confidently plan both domestic escapes and long-haul adventures.

Spanning a total exhibition space of 3,495 square metres across two halls, this year’s event reflects MATTA’s ongoing commitment to delivering larger and more impactful fairs. Some 51 organisations are participating, including 31 travel and tour agencies, three local state tourism offices, two airlines, and five hotels and resorts, offering a diverse array of travel services.

Visitors can also expect engagement from various state tourism bodies and other travel-related service providers, making MATTA Fair Sabah 2025 a comprehensive platform to explore both domestic and international travel opportunities.

Furthermore, visitors spending a minimum of RM100 at the event will be eligible to enter MATTA’s popular Buyers’ Contest. This exciting competition offers the chance to win a grand prize of two economy-class return tickets from Kota Kinabalu to Paris, France, valued at over RM9,000. Additional prizes, sponsored by Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), include return tickets to destinations such as Beijing, Kerala, Chiang Mai, Da Nang, and business class tickets to Kuala Lumpur.

Royal Brunei Airlines is also supporting the Buyers’ Contest with two international prizes: a round-trip economy class ticket from Kota Kinabalu to Beijing, China, and another to Incheon, Korea, giving winners the opportunity to explore beyond Southeast Asia.

The contest will also feature memorable travel packages and unique local stays, generously contributed by our sponsors and partners. With prizes valued at over RM61,000, it offers an excellent chance to start planning your next great escape at MATTA Fair Sabah 2025.

“MATTA Fair Sabah continues to build momentum, supported by our RM21 million turnover at MATTA Fair 2024 — a clear reflection of the growing demand and the steady recovery of consumer confidence in the travel and tourism sector,” said Rocky Kho, Organising Chairman of MATTA Fair Sabah 2025.

“For this year’s fair, we anticipate sales reaching approximately RM26 million, a significant increase from previous years, as we expand our booths and offerings to better serve our visitors,” added Kho.

Meanwhile, Sabah Tourism Board (STB) is occupying four booths at the event, said its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Julinus Jeffery Jimit.

These are collectively utilised to showcase the diverse attractions and offerings of the region, in collaboration with two prominent tourism associations, namely Kiulu Tourism Association and Tambunan Tourism Association.

“Additionally, the booths will feature a range of locally crafted handicrafts and products, highlighting Sabah’s rich cultural heritage.”

The associations will be promoting various tourism packages, working closely with licensed tour operators to provide comprehensive and attractive travel options, he said adding that this collaborative effort aims to boost awareness of Sabah’s unique destinations and experiences, encouraging visitors to explore the state’s natural beauty and cultural richness.

The presence of these associations and local artisans underscores Sabah’s commitment to sustainable tourism and the promotion of authentic, locally-sourced products, he said.

Sabah proudly stands as one of Malaysia’s premier tourist destinations, renowned for its rich biodiversity, natural wonders, and diverse flora and fauna. Home to Malaysia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mount Kinabalu, the state captivates visitors with its majestic highlands, lush rainforests, and iconic rivers such as the Maliau and Kinabatangan.

The MATTA Fair Sabah continues to highlight Sabah’s appeal as a must-visit destination, reinforcing its tourism profile in the lead-up to Visit Malaysia 2026, where MATTA is a strategic partner.

The valued sponsors and partners for MATTA Fair Sabah 2025 include RHB Bank (Bank Partner), Malaysia Aviation Group (Official Airline Partner & Premier Sponsor), Sabah Tourism Board, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment of Sabah, and Visit Malaysia 2026 (Strategic Partner).