One of Southeast Asia’s most energetic travel marketplaces is returning to Borneo this spring — and it’s bringing the world with it. The MATTA Fair Sabah 2026 is set to run from 17 to 19 April 2026 at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, drawing exhibitors and travel deals from countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, and Australia.
Organised by the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), this annual event is part of Malaysia’s largest and most widely attended international travel fair series. Whether you’re hunting for a discounted holiday package, exploring international destinations, or simply looking for travel inspiration, the MATTA Fair Sabah has built a strong reputation as the place to find it all under one roof.
For travellers based in Sabah and across Malaysian Borneo, this is one of the most practical events on the calendar — a rare chance to compare hundreds of travel options, meet tour operators face to face, and lock in deals that aren’t available online.
What the MATTA Fair Sabah Actually Is
The MATTA Fair isn’t just a trade expo — it functions as a direct-to-consumer travel marketplace where holidaymakers can walk in and walk out with a booked trip. The event combines the scale of an international travel conference with the accessibility of a public deal-hunting fair.
MATTA, the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents, organises the fair series as part of its broader mission to promote tourism and support the travel industry across Malaysia. The Sabah edition is specifically noted for its strong mix of both international and local exhibitors, reflecting the region’s unique position as a gateway between Malaysian domestic tourism and popular outbound destinations.
Past editions have attracted a wide cross-section of attendees — from families planning annual holidays to travel agents sourcing products for their clients, to industry professionals keeping tabs on new destinations and partnerships. The fair’s appeal cuts across all of those audiences at once.
MATTA Fair Sabah 2026 — Key Event Details
Here’s what’s confirmed about the upcoming event:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event Name | MATTA Fair Sabah 2026 |
| Dates | 17 – 19 April 2026 |
| Venue | Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), Kota Kinabalu |
| Organiser | Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) |
| Participating Countries | Malaysia, USA, UK, Japan, Australia, and more |
| Fair Type | International and local travel marketplace |
| Audience | Consumers, travel agents, and industry professionals |
The participating nations span multiple continents, signalling the international reach of the Sabah edition. Alongside Malaysia’s own domestic travel offerings, exhibitors from the US, UK, Japan, and Australia are expected to bring a wide variety of outbound holiday packages and tourism services to the floor.
- International exhibitors from the US, UK, Japan, Australia, and additional countries
- Local Malaysian exhibitors showcasing domestic travel, particularly Sabah and Borneo tourism
- Holiday packages offered directly to consumers at fair-exclusive prices
- Tourism services including accommodation, tours, flights, and travel insurance
- Industry networking opportunities for travel professionals and agents
Why This Fair Matters for Travellers Right Now
For anyone based in Sabah or planning to visit Kota Kinabalu in April, the timing of this event creates a genuine opportunity. Travel fairs of this scale typically offer deals that are difficult or impossible to replicate outside the event floor — exhibitors come prepared with limited-time packages, early-bird incentives, and bundled pricing that isn’t advertised elsewhere.
The SICC venue in Kota Kinabalu is well-suited to handle a large-scale event of this nature, providing accessible and organised space for the range of exhibitors expected to attend.
Beyond the deals, the fair serves a broader purpose for the regional travel industry. Sabah is one of Malaysia’s most internationally recognised tourism destinations — home to rainforests, dive sites, and wildlife experiences that attract visitors from across the globe. Having a fair of this calibre anchored in Kota Kinabalu reinforces that profile and gives local tourism operators direct exposure to both domestic and international audiences in a single venue.
For travel agents and industry professionals, the event is equally valuable as a sourcing and networking platform, connecting Malaysian operators with international counterparts and helping shape the travel products that consumers will see over the coming year.
What Happens Between Now and April
With the event confirmed for 17–19 April 2026, prospective attendees have time to plan their visit. The Sabah International Convention Centre is located in central Kota Kinabalu, making it accessible for both local residents and visitors travelling into the city for the fair.
Travellers planning to attend are advised to monitor announcements from MATTA and participating exhibitors in the lead-up to the event. Exhibitor lists, featured deals, and any pre-registration details would typically be released in the weeks before the fair opens.
For those coming from outside Kota Kinabalu, the fair weekend itself can be combined with exploring the city and surrounding Sabah region — a practical pairing given that many of the destination experiences on display at the fair are available right on the doorstep.
The MATTA Fair series continues to grow as one of Southeast Asia’s most recognised travel events, and the Sabah edition’s international lineup for 2026 suggests this year’s instalment will be among its strongest yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is MATTA Fair Sabah 2026?
The event runs from 17 to 19 April 2026 at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.
Who organises the MATTA Fair?
The fair is organised by the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents, known as MATTA.
Which countries are participating in MATTA Fair Sabah 2026?
Confirmed participating nations include Malaysia, the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, and Australia, among others.
Is the MATTA Fair open to the general public?
Yes — the fair is designed to serve both consumers looking for holiday deals and industry professionals seeking travel products and networking opportunities.
What can visitors expect to find at the fair?
Visitors can expect holiday packages, tourism services, accommodation deals, and travel products from a mix of international and local exhibitors.
Is there an admission fee for MATTA Fair Sabah 2026?
This has not been confirmed in available information — prospective attendees should check directly with MATTA for ticketing details closer to the event.
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