Almaty Pavilion Wins an Award at Malaysia’s MATTA Fair 2026
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Almaty presented its tourism potential at Malaysia's international tourism exhibition "MATTA Fair 2026." Kazakhstan was represented for the first time at Malaysia's largest tourism industry event, a country that has held a leading position in the sector over the past couple of decades.
Kazakhstan's Ambassador to Malaysia, Bulat Sugurbayev, noted in his welcoming speech the importance of expanding tourism exchanges between the two countries, stressing that Kazakhstan's participation in MATTA Fair opens up new opportunities to promote the country's tourism potential among Malaysian travelers.
The Secretary-General of Malaysia's Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Shaharuddin bin Abu Sohot, highlighted Almaty's growing role as a tourism hub that opens up opportunities for travel to other regions of Kazakhstan and Central Asia.
The "Visit Almaty" pavilion was one of the most striking at the exhibition: its design and the performances of the creative team drew strong interest from Malaysian tourists and industry representatives. Over the three days of the exhibition, the pavilion was visited by more than 10,000 registered guests who learned about Almaty's attractions, cuisine, and traditions.
Alongside the exhibition, "Almaty Tourism Day" was held in Kuala Lumpur, dedicated to promoting Almaty as one of the most attractive destinations in Central Asia. The event brought together representatives of Malaysia's Ministry of Tourism, the associations MATTA and MATA, airlines, and tourism businesses. The program included presentations, the signing of memorandums, and business meetings.
A key outcome of the day was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Almaty Akimat's Tourism Department and the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents, aimed at strengthening cooperation, information exchange, and business ties between the tourism industries of both countries.
Association President Nigel Wong noted the high level of interest in the Kazakh stand and announced that the Almaty pavilion received an award for best cultural program. On the sidelines of the event, more than 50 Kazakh and Malaysian tourism companies held talks.
The cultural program, featuring the dombra, kobyz, national dances, and tastings of traditional dishes, allowed guests to get closer to Kazakhstan's heritage and the hospitality of the Great Steppe.
"Almaty Tourism Day" continued Kazakhstan's active promotion in a key tourism market of Southeast Asia and confirmed the mutual interest of both sides in developing tourism ties.
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