KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 26 — The Mita Tourism Fair 2016 will be held for the first time early next year in a move to encourage domestic travel.

Organised by the Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association (Mita), with the support of Tourism Malaysia, the fair will be held between January 29 and 31 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

It is expected to attract participation from more than 140 industry players and 20,000 visitors.

Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Mirza Mohammad Taiyab said with the fall of the ringgit, the timing of the fair could not have been better.

“With lower exchange rates, going abroad seems to be quite an unfavourable idea for the (domestic travellers).

“Locals can get more value simply by travelling within Malaysia. This is the best time to promote domestic travel,” he told reporters after officiating the launch of the fair yesterday.

Mirza said efforts to promote domestic travel have been impeded by the lack of enthusiasm among local operators and suppliers in promoting their products and services. Recently, domestic travel had seen a welcome increase that has slowly been gaining momentum.

“There was an 11.6 per cent increase in domestic tourism, from 54.4 million in 2013, to 60.7 million in 2014. This year, we are expecting a 5 per cent increase to 63.7 million domestic tourists.

“The Mita fair is an ideal opportunity for local suppliers to showcase their products, services and attractions, “ he said.

Domestic movement is measured by travel of 50km or more, with at least a night of lodging.

Mita’s deputy president Uzaidi Udanis said in the run-up to the fair, the association has also launched a #GoDomestic campaign last month to attract both locals and foreigners to visit popular attractions and tourist spots nationwide.

He said this is in line with other domestic campaigns, including the popular “Cuti-Cuti Malaysia” and “CC1M Dekat Je!” campaign.

“This is a good opportunity to highlight less-known travel hot spots, and allow 400 Mita members to promote their various travel packages, especially for the off-peak season. 

“We are not only travel agents, there also those from other parts and segments of the industry such as restaurant owners as well as outdoor activities and recreational attraction operators,” he said.

Also present at the launch were Mita president Frankie S.K. Lee and Tourism Malaysia domestic promotions director Iskandar Mirza Mohd Yusof.

The fair will offer attractive discounts for domestic travel and other interesting activities, entertainment and lucky draws.

The three-day fair will be open to public from 9am to 9pm.