KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: Domestic travel is expected to increase as a result of the recent increase in fuel prices, said Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) deputy president Datuk Mohd Khalid Harun.

He said although there would be impact on the industry, people could from now plan their holidays, and purchase travel packages during the Matta fair where the cheapest products would be up for sale.

"We are expecting over 80,000 people to buy our local and regional travel packages during the fair in September.

"Although the industry faces great challenges, we are optimistic we will still have customers,'' he told reporters during a dinner hosted for Matta's agents, airline companies and national tourism organisations at a hotel last night.

Matta president Ngiam Foon said there were always ways to stretch the ringgit.

"It is possible to get air tickets and hotels at a fairly reasonable price during off peak seasons and weekdays. People can always choose to stay at a three star or a budget hotel."

About 80 people from the fraternity attended the Matta dinner, including the media.

The Star is the official paper for the fair in September.