KUALA LUMPUR, 14 July 2026: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents will host the second edition of MATTA Connect 2026, Malaysia’s premier Business-to-Business (B2B) travel marketplace, taking place from 29 to 30 July 2026 at the Ipoh Convention Centre (ICC) in Perak.
Adding further significance to the second edition, Yang Berhormat Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Malaysia (MOTAC), has confirmed his attendance as the guest of honour at the closing dinner on 30 July 2026, where he will also deliver the keynote address.
Building on the success of its inaugural edition, MATTA Connect 2026 is set to bring together buyers, sellers and travel industry stakeholders from across Malaysia and the ASEAN region, creating an unrivalled platform for business networking, destination promotion and strategic partnerships.
The Minister’s participation reflects the Government’s continued commitment to strengthening Malaysia’s tourism industry through close collaboration with the private sector. His presence at the Closing Dinner further reinforces the importance of MATTA Connect as a strategic platform for industry engagement, business growth and regional tourism cooperation.
“Following the success of our inaugural edition last year, MATTA Connect has established itself as an important platform for tourism businesses, buyers and destination partners to forge meaningful collaborations and unlock new business opportunities. We are honoured to welcome YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing to this year’s event, whose presence reflects the importance of strong industry-government collaboration in driving Malaysia’s tourism growth,” said MATTA President Nigel Wong.
The two-day programme will feature structured B2B business-matching sessions, a Business Forum, destination presentations, and networking opportunities designed to facilitate high-quality business engagements among international buyers, tourism suppliers, destination management companies, airlines, hotels, attractions, and travel service providers.
Further strengthening the event’s regional significance, the ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) will attend MATTA Connect 2026, bringing together tourism leaders from across Southeast Asia and creating additional opportunities for cross-border collaboration and business development.
Ahead of the main event, selected semi-hosted international buyers will participate in an exclusive five-day, four-night Pre-Tour Programme from 24 to 28 July 2026, experiencing some of Perak’s signature tourism attractions, including Ipoh, Kuala Kangsar, the Lenggong Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Royal Belum Rainforest. The programme is designed to provide buyers with first-hand destination experiences before they participate in scheduled business meetings, enabling them better to promote Perak and Malaysia in their respective international markets.
Complementing the business matching sessions, the Business Forum will feature presentations by destination partners and industry experts, providing delegates with valuable insights into emerging tourism trends, digital transformation, innovation and market opportunities, further enhancing MATTA Connect’s value as a knowledge-sharing platform for the travel trade.
MATTA Connect 2026 is supported by Tourism Perak, alongside destination partners Penang Global Tourism and the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO). RHB Bank Berhad is the Official Bank Partner, while Spritzer EcoPark Sdn Bhd and Hup Seng Hoon Yong Brothers Sdn Bhd are supporting partners. MATTA is pleased to collaborate with hotels, including 1969 D’Kelly Hotel, MU Hotel, AC Hotel by Marriott, Hotel Excelsior, and Weil Hotel, playing an integral role in supporting the successful organisation of this year’s event.
“MATTA Connect is where partnerships are built, and business opportunities take shape. More than a business-matching event, it is a platform for the travel industry to connect, collaborate, and grow. We invite tourism businesses, buyers and industry professionals to join us in Ipoh and be part of Malaysia’s premier B2B travel marketplace,” said MATTA Connect 2026 Organising Chairman Ken Chong.
Registration ongoing
Registration for MATTA Connect 2026 is open until 18 July 2026. Travel trade professionals, tourism organisations, buyers and sellers are invited to join Malaysia’s premier B2B travel marketplace and connect with industry leaders, international buyers and key decision-makers from across the region.
For registration and further information, visit www.mattaconnect.com, or contact the MATTA Secretariat at +603-2774 1150, or email [email protected].
(Source: MATTA)
