Penangites: Your next holiday hunt begins

IF you’ve been thinking about your next holiday, or simply waiting for the right moment to plan one, MATTA Fair Penang 2026 might just be it.

Taking place from April 25 to 26, this edition brings a fresh experience with its move to the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC), offering a more spacious, comfortable and modern setting for visitors.

This year’s MATTA Fair Penang received an overwhelming response, with all 320 booths fully booked within five days, bringing together 90 exhibitors from across the travel industry.

It reflects strong market demand and renewed confidence in the travel industry despite the ongoing conflict.

For visitors, it means more choices, better deals and plenty of inspiration for your next trip.

MATTA Penang Chapter chairman Carolyn Leong thanks the industry for its continuous trust and support.

“This fair is not only about travel deals, but also about supporting industry players and creating meaningful opportunities for collaboration and growth.

“Moving forward, our committee will continue to work closely with our industry partners to elevate the tourism industry to greater heights, while actively promoting Malaysia as a preferred travel destination,” she added.

Stepping into the fair, you can expect a lively mix of destinations and experiences. From popular Asian cities like Taiwan, India, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Shenzhen, to the ease of improved direct flights from Penang, travel has become more accessible than ever.

Closer to home, the newly introduced direct route between Penang and Johor opens fresh opportunities to explore Malaysia in a new light.

For those dreaming a little further, long-haul destinations such as Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Korea continue to draw strong interest, with Malaysia Airlines and Firefly offering discounts of up to 30% as official airline partners.

If you’ve ever considered setting sail, cruise holidays are also taking centre stage this year, with offerings from Disney Cruise Adventure, MSC Cruises and Genting Dream Cruises adding a touch of something different to the mix.

The new venue at PWCC sets the tone for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience, where visitors can take their time browsing, comparing and planning without feeling rushed.

With nearly 2,900 parking bays available, convenience is also part of the experience, making it easier for families and groups to spend the day exploring everything the fair has to offer.

In line with Visit Malaysia Year 2026, there is also a stronger emphasis on domestic travel. More local travel agents are participating this year, bringing with them thoughtfully curated packages that highlight the richness and diversity of destinations across the country.

It’s a timely reminder that sometimes, the best journeys can be found closer to home.

Visitors can also look forward to engaging with Tourism Malaysia Northern Region, alongside Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) and Tourism Johor, adding even more depth and ideas to consider when planning your travels.

As always, MATTA Fair places strong emphasis on trust and reliability. All exhibitors are verified and licensed, giving visitors peace of mind when making their bookings.

For a little added excitement, the Buyers’ Contest returns with prizes worth up to RM100,000, giving visitors even more reason to make that long-awaited travel decision.

As official airline partners, Malaysia Airlines and Firefly are offering great deals with discounts of up to 30%, while official bank partner RHB Bank is offering multiple currency account services.

Supported by these partners, MATTA Fair Penang 2026 promises not just a day out, but an experience.

Whether you arrive with a plan or simply out of curiosity, you may just leave with your next journey already in motion.