Is The March 2020 MATTA Fair Postponed?
Heads up to those who were planning on visiting the upcoming MATTA Fair: the travel fair is no longer set to happen on 13 – 15 March 2020. Instead, the 49th MATTA Fair is now scheduled for 1 – 3 May 2020.
UNRESERVED first heard of the postponement on 7 February 2020 via sources from Philipines Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and several travel agencies. They unanimously share that the change was due to the ongoing Coronavirus outbreak.
While there is no official news or release from MATTA Fair themselves yet, it is visible that the banner on their website has been changed to the new dates:
A quick call to their official line also confirmed that there would not be a fair on March 2020. “Yes, it has been postponed to May 2020,” shared the officer. She adds that location and opening hours of the event would still be the same.
While the news means that travel plans would have to be changed or put on halt, it is understandable – especially with all the uncertainty surrounding the current Coronavirus situation. After all, it is always better safe than sorry when it comes to health.
[Update: 10 February 2020]
Travel Caution
An official statement has been released. MATTA President Datuk Tan Kok Liang comments: “Although the shift in dates will not be convenient to everyone we are amazed at the level of support and encouragement that we have received from our exhibitors, sponsors and trade partners. Even now the team is working very hard with industry partners to put together irresistible travel deals in anticipation of a bounce-back in the market.”
Me after going down the #CoronaVirus rabbit hole. The images & videos are something else. pic.twitter.com/BvbHHiVMdm
— Cindy (@SynCindy) February 10, 2020
It has also been confirmed that the travel fair’s postponement is indeed due to the ongoing Coronavirus situation. “The travel fair which was initially scheduled for March is being deferred due to the adverse effects that recent travel bans and negative public perception caused by indiscriminate social media postings pertaining to the coronavirus have had on the Malaysian tour and travel trade.”
The good news, however, is that MATTA is already looking into other exciting travel initiatives during this challenging period in time. Fingers crossed for that.
