Natas to hold milestone 50th travel fair in February

SINGAPORE – The National Association of Travel Agents Singapore (Natas) has announced the dates for its first fair this year, from Feb 17 to 19, at the Singapore Expo Halls 7 and 8.


Next month’s fair, which marks a milestone 50th edition for Natas, will showcase more than 50 travel brands, with the familiar mix of travel agencies, airlines and cruises, as well as tourism organisations from countries such as Taiwan, South Korea and India, and banks.

This year also marks the 30th anniversary of Natas, which has been organising the consumer travel fair since 1987.

“We’re heartened by the support that our members are demonstrating by their participation in such overwhelming numbers to mark our Golden Jubilee Travel Fair. Similarly we hope to awaken the interest of and reach out to the travelling public in Singapore and thank them in advance for their resounding support,” said Mr Devinder Ohri, president of NATAS.

Natas has come under much scrutiny in recent years. At its annual general meeting last year, issues such as a lack of transparency, booth rentals and entrance fees were brought up once again.

A power struggle of sorts also erupted, with Madam Kay Swee Pin from travel group SA Tours challenging Mr Ohri to be the top officeholder. Mr Ohri managed to hold on the his post for a second term.

In 2015, tensions within the travel industry came to a head when the Big Four travel agencies — SA Tours, Chan Brothers Travel, CTC Travel and Dynasty Travel — boycotted the Natas fair and held their own Travel Revolution Fair.

However, Mr Clifford Neo, chairman, Outbound Tours of Natas, said that the February edition has been oversubscribed and will feature even more exhibitors. 

“With a sizeable contingent of its significant members making a return to participate in this next fair, this milestone event ... will see a much larger turnout of exhibitors than has been seen in recent years,” he said.

Admission to the fair is free.