MATTA CONNECT 2026 OPENS NEW DOORS FOR GLOBAL TOURISM BUSINESS

The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) has officially launched the second edition of MATTA Connect 2026 at the Ipoh Convention Centre (ICC), bringing together tourism professionals from Malaysia and international markets for two days of business networking, knowledge sharing and industry engagement.

The opening ceremony, graced by YB Loh Sze Yee, Chairman of the Perak State Tourism, Industry, Investment and Corridor Development Committee, comes at an important time as Perak continues to strengthen its position as one of Malaysia’s leading tourism destinations in conjunction with the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign. The state recorded an increase in overnight domestic tourist arrivals from 10.2 million in 2024 to 10.4 million in 2025 and is targeting 1.2 million international visitors and 10.5 million domestic tourists in 2026.

Held in conjunction with MATTA Fair Perak, the second edition of MATTA Connect plays an important role in promoting Perak’s diverse tourism offerings to international delegates while creating new opportunities for tourism businesses to establish meaningful global connections. The event is designed to connect international buyers with Malaysian tourism industry players, encouraging long-term partnerships and opening doors to new markets.

“MATTA Connect is an important platform that brings together international buyers and Malaysian tourism businesses, creating opportunities for long-term partnerships and expansion into new markets. By welcoming the international travel trade to Perak, we are introducing the state’s diverse tourism experiences and supporting Visit Malaysia 2026. The connections established here will help generate greater international interest in Malaysia and create lasting opportunities for our tourism industry,” said Nigel Wong, President of MATTA.

Held from 29 to 30 July 2026, the two-day programme features structured B2B business matching sessions, destination presentations, networking activities and a Business Forum. The forum provides an avenue for industry experts to discuss emerging travel trends, digital transformation, sustainability and future opportunities shaping the tourism sector.

The Business Forum features presentations by Tourism Malaysia, Tourism Perak, Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) and Penang Global Tourism, followed by insights from Perak State Parks Corporation and Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC). The session also includes contributions from RHB Bank, the Official Bank Partner, MyTravelKaki, the Travel Technology Partner, and other industry representatives.

Ahead of the main event, selected semi-hosted international buyers took part in a five-day, four-night Pre-Tour Programme across Perak from 24 to 28 July 2026. The programme offered first-hand experiences of key destinations including Ipoh, Kuala Kangsar, the Lenggong Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Royal Belum Rainforest, enabling international buyers to gain deeper insights into Perak’s tourism attractions and better promote Malaysia within their respective markets.

MATTA Connect 2026 is supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), Tourism Malaysia and Tourism Perak, alongside RHB Bank Berhad as the Official Bank Partner. Strategic partners include Penang Global Tourism, MGTO, Meru Valley Resort Berhad and Spritzer EcoPark Sdn Bhd.

As one of the event’s major sponsors, MGTO has also established a dedicated Buyers’ Lounge at the venue, providing an opportunity to engage directly with international buyers while promoting Macao as an attractive travel destination.

MATTA Connect 2026 will conclude on 30 July with a Closing Dinner, which will be attended by YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, as the Guest of Honour. The Minister is also scheduled to deliver the keynote address, reaffirming the Government’s continued commitment to strengthening Malaysia’s tourism industry through strategic collaboration between the public and private sectors.