The recently concluded MATTA Connect in Ipoh strengthened its credentials as a regional B2B travel trade platform after its second edition attracted 300 local and international buyers and 100 sellers, with buyers and exhibitors reporting quality business meetings and new commercial opportunities.

MATTA president Nigel Wong noted that stronger participation, broader international representation and higher-quality business engagements demonstrated that the industry valued a dedicated B2B platform alongside the association’s flagship consumer-focused MATTA Fair.

“The second edition saw stronger participation, broader international representation and more quality business engagements, which reinforces that the industry values such a platform,” he said, adding that the return of previous participants alongside new delegates reflected growing confidence in the event.

Wong stated MATTA Connect had evolved beyond business matching into a platform where industry stakeholders could exchange ideas on market trends, innovation, sustainability and future collaboration. Looking ahead, he added MATTA would continue to strengthen participation from regional and emerging markets while showcasing Malaysia’s diverse tourism offerings, particularly second-tier destinations and unique local experiences.

Delegates said that the event had delivered meaningful business opportunities.

Returning for a second time as a buyer, Kedah-based Morahols Travel CEO Eric R Sinnaya shared this year’s edition generated promising leads with inbound and outbound operators from India and Uzbekistan.

“I met many serious buyers and sellers. The relaxed format allows discussions to continue beyond the scheduled business matching sessions, making it easier to build relationships,” he said.

Melody Lee, inbound department manager at Jinghe International Travel Agency, noted that the event attracted high-quality buyers with strong interest in FIT leisure travel and private tours to China.

“I secured bookings for year-end departures and early 2027, while also establishing new business contacts. Face-to-face meetings remain essential for building trust with partners,” she said.

Guohui Shi, inbound travel specialist at China Prime DMC, observed that Malaysian demand for travel to China had grown steadily following the implementation of the Malaysia-China mutual visa exemption arrangement. He attended MATTA Connect to strengthen relationships with Malaysian outbound agents while gaining a better understanding of Malaysian travellers’ preferences to develop products better suited to the market.

Rather than measuring success solely by exhibitor or buyer numbers, Wong emphasised MATTA’s long-term focus was on the quality of business outcomes and partnerships generated through the platform.

“We want to see stronger connections between international buyers and Malaysian tourism players, especially in promoting local destinations, second-tier cities and unique tourism products that can bring greater benefits to communities across the country,” he said.