Malaysia Doubles Down on Halal Tourism Leadership with the Return of MATTA’s Muslim-Friendly Travel Fair (MFTF) 2026

The global appetite for Muslim-friendly travel is no longer a niche trend—it is a dominant economic force. In response to this surging demand, the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) has officially announced the return of its flagship Muslim Friendly Travel Fair (MFTF) , set to take place on 4–5 July 2026 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTC KL).

This year’s Fair arrives at a pivotal moment for the halal tourism sector. With international Muslim arrivals hitting 196 million in 2025—surpassing previous projections by a staggering 10 million—the industry is on a steep growth trajectory. Annual expenditure by Muslim travellers is now forecast to reach US$310 billion by 2030, presenting a golden opportunity for destinations and service providers ready to capture this market.

A Significant Scale-Up

Now in its second edition, MFTF 2026 represents a major leap forward from its inaugural event. The Fair will feature 123 booths from 57 participating organisations, occupying over 2,700 square metres of exhibition space. This makes it the nation’s most comprehensive marketplace dedicated exclusively to Muslim-friendly travel products, services, and experiences.

Malaysia’s Unmatched Benchmark

This expansion is built on a solid foundation. Malaysia has now held the top spot in the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) for 11 consecutive years, cementing its reputation as the world’s benchmark for halal tourism.

“Malaysia stands at a remarkable inflection point,” said Dr. Fazil Khan, Deputy Organising Chairman of MFTF 2026. “We are the world’s benchmark for Muslim-friendly travel, and yet the greatest opportunity is still ahead of us. MFTF exists to bridge the gap between that global recognition and actual business growth for our members. When over 100 million travellers are moving across the world and looking for trusted destinations and services, we want our members to be the first names that come to mind—and this Fair is where that journey begins.”

Strategic Alliances Driving Growth

The success of MFTF 2026 is underpinned by robust support from key industry partners who are committed to elevating Malaysia’s Muslim-friendly tourism ecosystem:

• Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) as Strategic Partner
• Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) as Sponsor
• RHB Bank Berhad as the Official Bank Partner

The ITC Advantage: Local Excellence, Global Standards

The involvement of ITC is particularly significant. As an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), ITC is the custodian of Malaysia’s Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition (MFAR) —a national standard now attracting international interest.

“ITC applauds MATTA for leading by example in establishing a platform for industry players to showcase their Muslim-friendly products, services, and facilities,” said Mohammad Faisal Abu Suaib Khan, Director-General of ITC. “At a time when international partners are turning to Malaysian-developed standards like MFAR, we are proud to prioritise and uplift our local industry first.”

In a major boost for MATTA members, ITC has committed to delivering targeted capacity-building programmes to 1,000 MATTA members over the next two years. This initiative will equip industry players with the competitive edge and marketability needed to thrive in the growing Muslim tourist market.

RHB Bank: Enhancing the Travel Experience

“RHB Bank is proud to partner with MATTA as the Official Bank for MFTF 2026, reflecting our commitment to supporting the halal travel ecosystem while making travel more accessible for Malaysians,” said Dato’ Adissadikin Ali, Managing Director of RHB Islamic Bank Berhad.

Visitors can look forward to exclusive offers and value-added solutions, including the RHB Multi Currency Debit Card/-i, which enables seamless transactions in up to 34 currencies, enhancing convenience for the modern traveller.

International Spotlight: Macao’s Growing Presence

MATTA is also proud to spotlight Macao as a sponsor of this edition. Ranked 16th overall in the GMTI 2025, Macao has made an impressive debut among destinations actively developing halal tourism. The MGTO is actively encouraging halal certification in the F&B sector and conducting regular training to familiarise tourism personnel with Islamic customers’ needs.

Macao’s presence at MFTF 2026 sends a clear signal: the world is coming to Malaysia to reach Muslim travellers, and MFTF is the platform that makes those connections possible.

Plan Your Visit

MFTF is open to the public from 10 am to 9 pm on Saturday and Sunday, 4–5 July 2026. Visitors are encouraged to use public transport to reduce carbon emissions and support sustainable travel. On-site parking is also available.

Stay Connected

For the latest updates, follow MATTA MFTF on:

• Instagram, X, and TikTok: @matta_mftf
• Facebook: MATTA Muslim Friendly Travel Fair