Malaysian Association Of Tour And Travel Agents

17/08/2026

Technology is becoming an increasingly important part of how travel businesses operate, and understanding what is available is just as important as adopting it.

MATTA recently welcomed GroundK Co., Ltd to MATTA HQ for an engagement on digital solutions that could support the travel industry, with discussions centred on GroundK’s T-RiseUp platform and its potential to improve operational efficiency and service delivery.

The discussion also provided an opportunity to exchange views on the practical challenges faced by travel businesses and where technology could help address some of these needs. Potential areas for future collaboration were also explored.

Representing MATTA were Vice President of Research & Technology Adam Kamal Ahmad Kamil, Vice President of Land Transportation Subramaniam Kandasamy, and MATTA Kedah Chapter Chairman Selvan Gopal, together with members of the Land Transportation Sub-Committee.

GroundK Co., Ltd was represented by Asher (Woojae) Lee, Assistant Manager, Strategic Planning Team, alongside members of the GroundK team.

For MATTA, conversations like this help show how emerging technology can translate into practical solutions for travel businesses, especially in areas where better systems can make day-to-day operations more efficient.

17/08/2026

The Bengkel Semakan Pembinaan Modul Mutawif, held on 13–14 August 2026 at Kompleks Islam Putrajaya, brought together government agencies and industry representatives to review the proposed Mutawif module.

MATTA Vice President of Umrah & Hajj Muhd Jafni Mustapha was invited by the Department of Awqaf, Zakat and Hajj (JAWHAR) to contribute industry perspectives to the discussion, alongside Dato’ Mohd Zaidi Ramli, Director General of JAWHAR, and representatives from Lembaga Tabung Haji, MOTAC, JPK and PAPUH.

Key areas discussed included competency standards, training requirements, and certification pathways, including how existing Mutawif with relevant experience and prior training can be appropriately recognised, while establishing a structured pathway for those entering the profession.

The workshop also provided a useful platform for the industry to share practical perspectives and look at how training, accreditation and professional development can be structured in a way that supports both the profession and the needs of pilgrims.

A well-trained and professionally developed Mutawif plays an important role in ensuring pilgrims receive proper guidance and support throughout their journey. Strengthening this area will ultimately contribute to a more organised and professional Umrah and Hajj ecosystem in Malaysia.

15/08/2026

MATTA is deeply saddened by the passing of Allahyarham Fahmy Mubarak, who served as the MATTA President from 1977 to 1979 during the Association’s formative years.

As one of MATTA’s early leaders, he was part of the journey that helped shape the Association in its early days. His contribution remains an important part of MATTA’s history and legacy.

Our heartfelt condolences go to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.

13/08/2026

On 12 August 2026, MATTA welcomed representatives from the Guangdong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism to MATTA HQ for an engagement with the Vice President of Outbound Chong Yu Ken, together with members of the MATTA Kuala Lumpur Chapter Committee.

The discussion focused on the Greater Bay Area (GBA), comprising Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, and its potential as an increasingly attractive destination for Malaysian travellers.

Beyond destination promotion, the engagement provided an avenue to exchange views on travel trends, market opportunities, connectivity, and ways the tourism industries of Malaysia and the GBA can work more closely together.

For Malaysian travel agents, stronger links with destination partners create more room to develop new itineraries, introduce diverse travel experiences, and respond to growing interest in the region.

MATTA looks forward to building on the conversation and creating more opportunities for our members to connect with tourism partners across the Greater Bay Area, as strengthening connections with key outbound markets is an important part of keeping Malaysia’s travel trade connected to new opportunities.

13/08/2026

The 2026 Korea-Malaysia Tourism Open Innovation Programme, organised by the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) and Creww Malaysia, brought Korean travel technology companies together with Malaysian tourism industry stakeholders on 12 August 2026 at the MRANTI 5G Experience Centre, Kuala Lumpur.

The programme featured Korean Tech Pitching sessions, showcasing emerging solutions in AI, Internet of Things (IoT), Smart Tourism, hotel technology, and mobility, with a focus on how technology can improve tourism experiences and address real operational needs.

Representing MATTA, Vice President of Research & Technology Adam Kamal Ahmad Kamil, joined representatives from AirAsia MOVE, Spritzer, and Genting as a panel judge for the pitching sessions. The engagement offered a closer look at the technologies being developed by Korean startups and opened up conversations around their potential applications within Malaysia's tourism ecosystem.

As the industry prepares for Visit Malaysia 2026, exchanges like this provide useful insight into how technology can support businesses, improve the visitor experience, and create new possibilities for the travel trade.

11/08/2026

A strong tourism industry needs a land transport sector that can keep pace with it. At the “Sesi Libat Urus Pengangkutan Awam Darat Bersama Pihak Industri: Inisiatif Berimpak Tinggi Untuk Rakyat Tahun 2027” organised by the Ministry of Transport Malaysia on 6 August 2026, MATTA Vice President of Land Transportation Subramaniam Kandasamy raised several issues affecting tourism land transport operators, particularly tour bus and tourist van operators.

MATTA called for a more comprehensive approach towards supporting the sector, including targeted grants and financial assistance, fleet modernisation support, and industry development initiatives. These measures can help operators manage rising operational pressures while continuing to improve safety, service standards, and the overall quality of tourism transportation.

The engagement also provided an opportunity for MATTA to highlight concerns surrounding existing policies, regulatory requirements, and enforcement practices. Clearer guidelines, greater consistency in implementation, and closer engagement between the authorities and industry are important to ensure that regulations work effectively on the ground without placing unnecessary burdens on operators.

Tourism transportation is often one of the first and last touchpoints of a visitor's journey. The ability to move travellers safely, efficiently, and reliably has a direct bearing on the overall travel experience and the competitiveness of Malaysia as a destination.

As Malaysia continues to build momentum under Visit Malaysia 2026, ensuring that the tourism land transport sector is well-supported and equipped for the future will be an important part of the bigger tourism picture.

11/08/2026

Strengthening regional tourism partnerships remains an important step towards creating new business opportunities and enhancing travel connectivity across ASEAN.

MATTA was represented by the Vice President of Inbound & Domestic Gopalan Mariappan, at the TAT & ATTA Roadshow to Malaysia & Singapore 2026 – B2B Business Session, held on 5 August 2026 at the Royal Signatures Hotel Kuala Lumpur.

Organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in collaboration with the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), the roadshow brought together Thai tourism suppliers and travel trade partners from Malaysia and Singapore for a day of business networking, market engagement, and partnership building.

The programme also featured an Opening Ceremony attended by distinguished tourism leaders from both countries, including Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, and Salinda Sany, Senior Director of the Strategic Planning Division, Tourism Malaysia, representing the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia.

As neighbouring destinations with long-standing tourism ties, Malaysia and Thailand continue to benefit from close industry cooperation and regular business engagement. Platforms such as this roadshow provide valuable opportunities for travel businesses to strengthen partnerships, explore new products, and respond to expanding travel demand across the region.

11/08/2026

The future of travel is not only about where people go, but also how seamlessly they experience every step of their journey, including the way they pay.

MATTA was pleased to be represented by President Nigel Wong and Vice President of Research & Technology Adam Kamal Ahmad Kamil at the launch of RHB Pay, held at The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur.

The event brought together leaders from the banking, fintech, and digital commerce sectors to introduce RHB's latest unified payment solution, designed to provide businesses with secure, seamless, and integrated digital payment capabilities.

As Malaysia's digital economy continues to expand, the travel industry must grow alongside it. For travel agencies and tourism businesses, digital payment solutions are becoming an essential part of delivering greater convenience, improving operational efficiency, and meeting the changing expectations of today's travellers.

MATTA welcomes initiatives that encourage innovation and digital adoption across the business ecosystem. Through continued collaboration with industry partners, we remain committed to supporting solutions that help our members stay competitive while enhancing the overall travel experience.

Technology continues to reshape the way the travel industry operates. The more accessible and seamless these solutions become, the better equipped businesses will be to serve the needs of today's travellers.

11/08/2026

Creating stronger business connections remains at the heart of MATTA Connect, a platform designed to help Malaysia's travel industry expand its reach and build meaningful partnerships beyond our borders.

Following the Opening Ceremony of MATTA Connect 2026 on 29 July 2026, MATTA hosted a press conference to share the objectives, aspirations, and growing significance of the event as Malaysia's premier Business-to-Business (B2B) travel marketplace.

The session was led by MATTA Connect 2026 Organising Chairman Chong Yu Ken, alongside YB Tuan Loh Sze Yee, Chairman of the Perak State Tourism, Industry, Investment, and Corridor Development Committee, MATTA President Nigel Wong, and MATTA Perak Chapter Chairman Wendy Shin.

During the session, the speakers highlighted how MATTA Connect has grown into an important platform that connects Malaysian tourism businesses with international buyers, tourism organisations, and industry partners. More than facilitating business matching sessions, the event creates opportunities for market expansion, knowledge exchange, and long-term partnerships that contribute to the continued growth of Malaysia's travel trade.

With delegates from Malaysia and across the globe participating over two days, this year's edition reflects the industry's shared commitment to building stronger regional and international networks while supporting the momentum of Visit Malaysia 2026. As the platform continues to grow, it also reinforces MATTA's role in creating meaningful business opportunities for its members and strengthening Malaysia's position within the global tourism landscape.

11/08/2026

Formula One is more than a race weekend, as it is an opportunity to showcase Malaysia as a destination worth exploring.

In a recent interview with Free Malaysia Today (FMT), MATTA President Nigel Wong shares why Malaysia should seize the opportunity presented by the upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix to encourage visitors to stay longer and experience more of what the country has to offer.

From developing ready-to-sell travel packages to strengthening collaboration between airlines, hotels, attractions, and tour operators, the article explores how sports tourism can generate wider benefits for Malaysia's tourism industry beyond the race itself.

🔗Read the full article at:
https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/08/01/entice-grand-prix-visitors-to-stay-longer-tour-operators-told

The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents wants tour operators to come up with packages for before and after the Formula One races in October.