KUALA LUMPUR, 19 March 2024 – MATTA Fair March 2024 is proud to unveil its Sustainable Tourism booth on the foyer Level 1 at MITEC Kuala Lumpur, highlighting a range of innovative initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable practices within the tourism industry.
Central to this endeavour is the launch of the Green Circle Initiative, a collaborative effort involving key stakeholders from various sectors including Climate Governance Malaysia, MAG, RHB, MDEC, government agencies at both federal and state levels, MAH, MACEOS, and MATTA members. This initiative aims to empower local tourism stakeholders with the necessary tools and resources to advance sustainability goals, raise awareness among industry stakeholders and the public, contribute to policy-making, and support the industry through various CSR programs.
In addition to the Green Circle Initiative, MATTA is proud to collaborate with renowned British wildlife artist Ms. Rachel Gray, along with AmLeisure Group, Tourism Perak and Tourism Selangor, in implementing projects geared towards conserving natural assets and enhancing local community livelihoods. Through these partnerships, MATTA is committed to developing more sustainable ways of conserving our natural environment while simultaneously improving the well-being of local communities.
"We are thrilled to showcase our Sustainable Tourism initiatives at MATTA Fair March 2024," said Nigel Wong, President of MATTA. "By collaborating with industry partners and stakeholders, we aim to drive positive change within the tourism sector and contribute to a more sustainable future for our nation."
In Perak, MATTA is working with Perak State Parks Corporation at Royal Belum State Park; it is the second largest Protected Area in Peninsular Malaysia. Royal Belum State Park is a biodiversity hotspot with many iconic wildlife including the Malayan tiger.
“The critically endangered Malayan tiger is the focus species in our conservation efforts, a commitment demonstrated through the achievement of Conservation Assured - Tiger Standards accreditation last year. There are about 1,000 Jahai indigenous people living in the park. Apart from the research and protection, local community and tourism are integral components in conserving tigers in a holistic approach. Through cooperation with MATTA, we hope to bridge local community, tourism, and conservation in protecting our natural heritage,” said Lau Ching Fong, the Acting Director of Perak State Parks Corporation.
“Tourism Selangor is committed to sustainable tourism at MATTA Fair 2024. Join us to learn about initiatives like the Jungle School Gombak, empowering Indigenous communities and promoting rainforest sustainability. Discover our community-based tourism efforts at MATTA Fair 2024, including the Selangor Community Hosts Programme. With 22 hosts appointed across 9 districts since 2018, we're boosting local engagement and economic growth,” said Khuzaimah Jamaluddin, Promotion Manager Tourism Selangor.
She added, “Tourism Selangor aims for UNESCO recognition by 2027 as the Gombak Hulu Langat Geopark's management body. With 31 geoparks listed, we're dedicated to preserving natural heritage and promoting sustainable tourism. Also not to forget, Kuala Selangor and Sabak Bernam that is known for its agrotourism segmentation and luscious paddy field, will also be the main attractions in MATTA Fair this time.”
Visitors to the Sustainable Tourism booth can expect to learn about the various projects and initiatives spearheaded by MATTA and its partners, as well as engage in interactive activities and discussions aimed at promoting sustainability within the tourism industry.
They will also get to purchase limited edition tee shirts with Rachel’s artwork the proceeds of which will go towards funding the sustainable tourism initiatives in the states of Perak and Selangor.
Don't miss the opportunity to be part of the sustainable tourism movement. Visit the Sustainable Tourism booth at MATTA Fair March 2024 and discover how you can contribute to creating a more sustainable future.
The MATTA Fair offers free admission and is open from 10 am to 9 pm for three days, from Friday 22 March 2024 to Sunday 24 March 2024. MATTA provides complimentary shuttle services to MITEC from KL Sentral and Sunway Putra Mall, and back. We encourage visitors to the Fair to take advantage of this free shuttle services.
At this MATTA Fair, MATTA, together with MITEC, is prioritising the convenience of Muslim visitors and exhibitors by offering dedicated F&B facilities and services for “berbuka puasa” at various locations throughout the venue, as well as dedicated prayer halls in Hall 5. Muslim visitors to the Fair can rest assured that their needs are provided for during the month of Ramadhan.
For the latest information updates, please visit the MATTA Fair's website and social media platforms on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or subscribe to the new Telegram channels @MATTA_Fair.
NIGEL WONG
MATTA President