Kuala Lumpur, 7 September 2026 – Almaty showcased its tourism potential at MATTA Fair 2026, Malaysia’s leading international tourism exhibition. Kazakhstan participated in the country’s largest tourism event for the first time, introducing Almaty and Kazakhstan’s diverse travel opportunities to the Malaysian market.

The Visit Almaty pavilion emerged as one of the highlights of the exhibition. Its distinctive design, engaging programme and performances by a Kazakh creative ensemble attracted strong interest from Malaysian travellers and tourism industry professionals. Over the three-day exhibition, more than 10,000 registered visitors came to the pavilion to discover the tourism offerings of Almaty and the surrounding region, including its natural landscapes, cultural attractions, national cuisine and traditions.

A vibrant cultural programme featuring musicians, dancers and Kazakh batyrs, along with traditional food tastings and displays of national handicrafts and souvenirs, presented Almaty as a destination where a dynamic modern city meets spectacular mountain scenery, rich cultural heritage and the timeless hospitality of the Great Steppe.

Alongside its participation in the exhibition, Almaty Tourism Day was held in Kuala Lumpur to further promote Almaty as one of Central Asia’s most attractive destinations and strengthen tourism ties between Kazakhstan and Malaysia.

The event brought together representatives of Malaysia’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Tourism Malaysia, the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATA), airlines and the wider tourism industry. The programme featured a presentation of Almaty’s tourism potential, remarks by tourism industry leaders, the signing of memoranda of understanding, business meetings and a cultural showcase.

In his welcoming remarks, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Malaysia Bulat Sugurbayev highlighted the importance of expanding tourism exchanges between the two countries. He noted that Kazakhstan’s first participation in MATTA Fair opens new opportunities to promote the country as a travel destination among Malaysian visitors.

Secretary General of Malaysia’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Shaharuddin bin Abu Sohot, highlighted Almaty’s growing importance as a tourism hub, providing a gateway to other regions of Kazakhstan and destinations across Central Asia.

One of the key outcomes of Almaty Tourism Day was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Tourism Department of the Almaty City Akimat and the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents. The agreement is aimed at strengthening cooperation in tourism promotion, information exchange, professional networking and business collaboration between the tourism industries of Kazakhstan and Malaysia.

MATTA President Nigel Wong highlighted the strong interest generated by the Kazakh pavilion and announced that the Almaty pavilion had received an award for Best Cultural Programme.

More than 50 Kazakh and Malaysian tourism companies took part in business meetings held on the sidelines of Almaty Tourism Day, creating new opportunities for partnerships and the development of joint tourism products.

The cultural programme introduced guests to traditional Kazakh music, performances on the dombra and kobyz, national dances and vocal traditions. The performances offered visitors an opportunity to experience Kazakhstan’s rich cultural heritage and the spirit of hospitality of the Great Steppe.

Almaty Tourism Day marked another important step in Kazakhstan’s active promotion in one of Southeast Asia’s key tourism markets. Held on the sidelines of MATTA Fair 2026, the event demonstrated the shared interest of Kazakhstan and Malaysia in further expanding tourism cooperation, strengthening business ties and opening new opportunities for travellers.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-kuala-lumpur/press/news/details/1287479?lang=ru