Forging connections: Chong (front row, centre) taking a group photo with participants of the MATTA Connect event in Kuala Lumpur. — ONG SOON HIN/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Almost 200 travel businesses from around the world forged connections and founded new regional partnerships at MATTA Connect – the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents’ (MATTA) first ever business-to-business event.
A total of 186 sellers, representing 93 organisations from 27 countries, showcased their unique offerings of national travel products at the inaugural get together.
These products included destinations, as well as local crafts and services to meet the growing demand of Malaysian travellers and business partners.
Joining the sellers were 145 registered MATTA member buyers from across the Asean region, who eagerly focused on building strategic regional business partnerships.
MATTA’s outbound vice-president Chong Yu Ken said the event served as a platform to connect Malaysian travel agents with their international counterparts for everyone’s benefit.
“This is not just a networking event; it is a strategic initiative at rebuilding and reimagining cross-border tourism collaboration in the current post-pandemic world.
“Outbound and inbound tourism are not opposing forces but deeply connected as the strength of our outbound sector showcases Malaysia’s credibility, connectivity and reach as a tourism hub.
“Such a well connected outbound market naturally attracts inbound tourism interests, thus when our outbound partners flourish, so does our reputation globally.
“This ultimately contributes to higher tourism growth and greater mutual exchange between our nations, improving ties between us all,” Chong said in his speech at the launch of MATTA Connect, here yesterday.
The event kicked off with a series of pitch stage presentations from a number of the event’s sponsors, key global tourism authorities and organisations.
It included presentations from Visit Indochina Ltd from Vietnam, Macao Global Tourism, the Saudi Tourism Authority and Atout France.
“These presentations provided attendees with valuable first-hand insights into emerging markets, destination highlights and strategic updates, further adding to the knowledge sharing and commercial appeal of the event.
“Each of these sponsors brings something unique to the table and through these exchanges will keep our local industry relevant, energetic and prepared for the future,” Chong added.
Business matchmaking sessions commenced after the pitch stage presentations, which saw hundreds of discussions between local, regional and international travel businesses.
To this, Chong said it would further reinforce the importance of in-person meetings towards building trust and long-term business relationships between local businesses and their international partners.
“May all participants today take the time to connect and establish partnerships to find possibilities that were not even possible before,” Chong said.
Held a day before the annual three-day MATTA Fair 2025, MATTA Connect took place at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec).
The much anticipated MATTA Fair will be held from 10am to 9pm from today until Sunday at Mitec.
Those interested in checking out the travel fair can take the free shuttle service available from KL Sentral and Sunway Putra Mall to the venue.
