Japan 'Asia's Favourite Destination' for Matta Fair 2018

KUALA LUMPUR: Now there are more reasons for Malaysian travellers to experience the wonders of Japan as the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) has announced the land of the rising sun as "Asia's Favourite Destination" for the Matta Fair 2018.
From the sandy beaches of Okinawa to the winter wonderland of Hokkaido, experiencing Japan is just a ticket away with deals and packages offered throughout the three-day fair, to be held from March 16 to 18 at Putra World Trade Centre.
Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO), the largest national tourist office represented at the fair with 24 booths, will be showcasing Japan's latest attractions and render travel information to visitors.
JNTO Kuala Lumpur office executive director Chiemi Maruyama said the wonders of four seasons in Japan will be the biggest draw for travellers.
"Japan can satisfy first-time visitors and provide new discoveries to repeaters as different seasons bring about different a experience," she said.
"JNTO is also keen to bring the early cherry blossoms to Malaysians, where it will first appear in Okinawa before moving northwards," she told a press conference at Matta head office here yesterday.
Maruyama said the upcoming fair would also see JNTO promoting lesser-known destinations in Japan, apart from the popular spots such as Tokyo and Osaka.
"There are plenty of other areas that could be explored, such as those in Kyushu as well as Shikoku, the smallest of the four major islands of Japan.
"We hope to have more inbound travellers coming to places that are less popular but equally amazing," she added.
She said many activities would be held at the Japan Pavilion at the Matta Fair to immerse visitors into the culture and unique traditions of the country.
Matta president Datuk Tan Kok Liang said the partnership with JNTO would further develop close relations between Japan and Malaysia in tourism industry.
He added there has been a surge of Malaysian tourists to Japan following the abolition of visa requirements in 2013.
"A total of 439,500 Malaysians visited Japan in 2017, compared to 394,268 visitors the year before, an increase of 11.5%," he said.
He added this would be the third time Japan is being announced as Asia's favourite destination at the Matta Fair, the other times being in March 2013 and September 2014.
The upcoming Matta Fair will be open from 10am to 9pm.
Admission is RM4 per person and free for children below the age of 12.