Trade Shows and EventsASEAN tourism leaders to gather in Ipoh for MATTA Connect 2026 on 29-30 July

MATTA Connect 2026 heads to Ipoh with tourism minister

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Registration is open for MATTA Connect 2026, taking place in Ipoh this July.
Registration is open for MATTA Connect 2026, taking place in Ipoh this July. Photo Credit: MATTA

The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) will hold the second edition of MATTA Connect on 29 and 30 July 2026 at the Ipoh Convention Centre in Perak.

Malaysia's Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, is scheduled to attend the closing dinner on 30 July as guest of honour, where he will also deliver the keynote address.

The two-day B2B event will bring together buyers, sellers and travel industry stakeholders from Malaysia and across ASEAN. The programme includes business matching sessions, a business forum, destination presentations and networking opportunities for international buyers, tourism suppliers, destination management companies, airlines, hotels, attractions and travel service providers.

"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 Nigel Wong, president of MATTA.

The ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) will also participate, bringing together tourism leaders from across Southeast Asia.

Before the event, selected semi-hosted international buyers will join a five-day, four-night pre-tour from 24 to 28 July. The itinerary includes Ipoh, Kuala Kangsar, the Lenggong Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Royal Belum Rainforest before scheduled business meetings begin.

Registration is open until 18 July 2026. MATTA Connect 2026 is supported by Tourism Perak, Penang Global Tourism and the Macao Government Tourism Office, with RHB Bank Berhad as the official bank partner.

"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 Ken Chong, organising chairman of MATTA Connect 2026.

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