As someone who loves discovering destinations that seamlessly blend culture, comfort, and convenience, I am genuinely excited to see the return of one of Malaysia’s most important travel events dedicated to Muslim travellers. The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) has officially announced the highly anticipated return of the MATTA Muslim Friendly Travel Fair (MFTF) 2026, taking place from 4 to 5 July 2026 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTC KL).

With Muslim-friendly travel becoming one of the fastest-growing sectors in global tourism, this year’s fair arrives at the perfect moment for travellers seeking halal-friendly experiences, family-friendly holidays, and culturally enriching adventures.

Why Muslim-Friendly Travel Is Booming Worldwide

The global halal tourism industry continues to experience remarkable growth. Muslim international arrivals reached an impressive 196 million travellers in 2025, surpassing earlier forecasts by 10 million travellers. Industry projections indicate annual spending could reach a staggering US$310 billion by 2030.

This growing demand reflects a new generation of Muslim travellers looking for destinations and services that cater to their religious, cultural, and lifestyle needs without compromising on quality experiences.

Malaysia has long been recognised as a leader in this space, maintaining its position at the top of the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) for 11 consecutive years. This achievement reinforces Malaysia’s reputation as one of the world’s most trusted Muslim-friendly travel destinations.

MFTF 2026: Bigger, Better and More Comprehensive

Following a successful inaugural edition, MFTF 2026 is set to be significantly larger and more impactful.

Visitors can expect:

• 123 exhibition booths
• 57 participating organisations
• 2,700 square metres of exhibition space
• Exclusive travel packages and promotions
• Muslim-friendly destinations from around the world
• Halal tourism products and services
• Travel financing and banking solutions

The fair is rapidly establishing itself as Malaysia’s largest and most comprehensive marketplace dedicated entirely to Muslim-friendly travel experiences.

Whether you’re planning an Umrah journey, a family holiday, a luxury getaway, or an adventure-filled overseas trip, MFTF offers travellers direct access to trusted travel providers under one roof.

Strengthening Malaysia’s Leadership in Halal Tourism

Speaking about the significance of the event, Dr. Fazil Khan, Deputy Organising Chairman of MFTF 2026, highlighted Malaysia’s unique position as a global benchmark for Muslim-friendly travel.

According to him, while Malaysia’s international recognition continues to grow, the real opportunity lies in translating that reputation into tangible business growth and stronger connections between industry players and Muslim travellers worldwide.

The fair serves as a platform where travel agencies, tourism boards, hospitality providers, airlines, and service operators can showcase offerings designed specifically for the Muslim travel market.

Islamic Tourism Centre Continues to Champion Industry Growth

One of the key highlights of MFTF 2026 is the continued partnership with the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC), serving as the event’s Strategic Partner.

As an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), ITC is responsible for Malaysia’s internationally recognised Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition (MFAR) framework.

The MFAR standard has attracted growing international attention and is increasingly viewed as a benchmark for Muslim-friendly tourism development globally.

To further strengthen industry capabilities, ITC announced plans to deliver targeted capacity-building programmes for 1,000 MATTA members over the next two years. These initiatives will equip tourism operators with the skills and knowledge needed to tap into the expanding Muslim travel market while enhancing service quality and competitiveness.

RHB Bank Makes Muslim-Friendly Travel More Accessible

Supporting travellers on their journeys is Official Bank Partner, RHB Bank Berhad.

Visitors attending MFTF 2026 can explore travel-related banking solutions designed to make overseas travel smoother and more convenient.

Among the featured offerings is the RHB Multi Currency Debit Card/-i, which supports transactions in up to 34 currencies, allowing travellers to enjoy greater flexibility and peace of mind when travelling internationally.

This collaboration reflects the growing importance of integrating financial convenience into the overall travel experience, particularly for today’s digitally connected travellers.

Macao’s Growing Appeal for Muslim Travellers

One of the most interesting developments at MFTF 2026 is the participation of the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) as a sponsor.

Traditionally known for its unique blend of Portuguese and Chinese heritage, Macao has been making significant strides in developing Muslim-friendly tourism infrastructure.

Ranked 16th in the GMTI 2025 rankings, Macao has emerged as a destination actively investing in halal tourism. Efforts include encouraging halal certification among food and beverage operators, conducting training programmes for tourism personnel, and enhancing services tailored to Muslim visitors.

Its participation at MFTF 2026 demonstrates how destinations worldwide are increasingly recognising the value and potential of the Muslim travel market.

Why You Should Visit MFTF 2026

If you’re looking to plan your next holiday while taking advantage of exclusive travel promotions and expert advice, MFTF 2026 should be on your calendar.

Visitors can look forward to:

✅ Exclusive travel fair discounts

✅ Muslim-friendly holiday packages

✅ Family travel deals

✅ Umrah and pilgrimage packages

✅ International destination showcases

✅ Travel financing solutions

✅ Halal tourism experiences

✅ Direct access to trusted travel professionals

Whether you’re planning a quick regional getaway or a dream long-haul adventure, this fair offers valuable opportunities to compare options, secure promotions, and discover new destinations.

Event Details

MATTA Muslim Friendly Travel Fair (MFTF) 2026

📅 Date: 4 – 5 July 2026

📍 Venue: World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTC KL)

⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM

🎟 Admission: Open to the Public

Visitors are encouraged to use public transportation as part of sustainable travel efforts, although on-site parking will also be available.

The Future of Muslim-Friendly Travel Starts Here

As the halal tourism market continues its rapid expansion, MFTF 2026 stands as a powerful reminder of Malaysia’s leadership in shaping the future of Muslim-friendly travel.

For travellers, it offers inspiration, value, and access to some of the best halal-friendly travel opportunities available today. For industry players, it serves as a vital platform to connect with a growing global audience seeking authentic, accessible, and faith-conscious travel experiences.

If you’re passionate about exploring the world while enjoying the comfort of Muslim-friendly facilities and services, MFTF 2026 is an event you won’t want to miss.