KUALA LUMPUR, 13 JULY 2026 — The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) is set to host the second edition of MATTA Connect 2026, Malaysia’s premier Business-to-Business (B2B) travel marketplace, on 29 and 30 July 2026 at the Ipoh Convention Centre (ICC), Perak. The event aims to bring together key players from the tourism ecosystem, including buyers, sellers, destination partners and industry stakeholders from Malaysia and the ASEAN region, to strengthen business collaborations and unlock new opportunities within the travel sector. Adding significance to this year’s edition, Yang Berhormat Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC), will attend the Closing Dinner on 30 July 2026 as Guest of Honour and deliver the keynote address. His participation highlights the government’s continued support towards strengthening Malaysia’s tourism industry through strategic partnerships between the public and private sectors. Following the success of its inaugural edition, MATTA Connect 2026 is designed as a strategic platform for tourism businesses to establish meaningful partnerships, promote destinations and explore new market opportunities. The event reflects MATTA’s ongoing commitment to supporting industry growth by creating a dedicated space for travel professionals to connect, collaborate and expand their business networks. MATTA President Nigel Wong said the event has become an important platform for tourism businesses, buyers and destination partners to build stronger relationships and develop new collaborations. The participation of industry leaders and government representatives further demonstrates the importance of cooperation in driving Malaysia’s tourism development and regional competitiveness. The two-day programme will feature a range of business-focused activities, including structured B2B business matching sessions, a Business Forum, destination presentations and networking opportunities. These initiatives are designed to connect international buyers with tourism suppliers, destination management companies, airlines, hotels, attractions and travel service providers, creating opportunities for future partnerships and business expansion. Strengthening its regional appeal, ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) will also participate in MATTA Connect 2026, bringing together tourism representatives from across Southeast Asia. The involvement of regional tourism leaders is expected to enhance cross-border collaboration and encourage greater cooperation within the ASEAN travel industry. Prior to the main event, selected international buyers will take part in an exclusive five-day, four-night Pre-Tour Programme from 24 to 28 July 2026. The programme will showcase Perak’s unique tourism offerings, including Ipoh, Kuala Kangsar, the Lenggong Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Royal Belum Rainforest. Through these experiences, buyers will gain first-hand knowledge of Malaysia’s destinations, enabling them to better promote local tourism products to international markets. Beyond business networking, MATTA Connect 2026 will also serve as a knowledge-sharing platform through its Business Forum, featuring industry experts and destination partners discussing emerging tourism trends, digital transformation, innovation and evolving market opportunities. The forum aims to equip travel professionals with valuable insights to navigate the changing tourism landscape. The event is supported by Tourism Perak alongside destination partners including Penang Global Tourism and the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO). RHB Bank Berhad serves as the Official Bank Partner, with Spritzer EcoPark Sdn Bhd and Hup Seng Hoon Yong Brothers Sdn Bhd as supporting partners. Several hotels, including 1969 D’Kelly Hotel, MU Hotel, AC Hotel by Marriott, Hotel Excelsior and Weil Hotel, are also contributing towards the successful organisation of the event. With registration open until 18 July 2026, MATTA Connect 2026 invites travel trade professionals, tourism organisations, buyers and sellers to participate in Malaysia’s leading B2B travel marketplace. The event is expected to play a key role in strengthening industry partnerships, promoting Malaysian destinations and supporting the continued recovery and growth of the regional tourism sector. Post navigation Sime Beyond Auto Expands BYD Presence with Launch of Sixth Outlet in Sri Petaling