KUALA LUMPUR, 15 December 2017: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) and the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) are going into a partnership with the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the growth of the tourism industry in the country and for mutual benefits.
The signing of the MOU between MATTA and MAH was completed by MATTA President, Datuk Tan Kok Liang and MAH President, Cheah Swee Hee witnessed by YBhg. Datuk Rashidi Hasbullah, Secretary-General of Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC) held at the Royale Chulan Kuala Lumpur today.
The MOU objectives include development for cooperation and partnerships between both parties in order to promote inbound travel to Malaysia through networking, marketing and other promotion activities. The partnership acts as a platform for both Associations to leverage on each other's technical knowledge, expertise and experience for expansion and growth of the travel and tourism industry in the country.
MATTA President said, “This partnership is very timely for the travel agents and tour operators and hotels to work together and enhance our service quality with the potential growth of tourism to generate more revenue for the country from now towards VMY 2020, declared by the Prime Minister YAB Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak at the recent Budget 2018 announcement. I was hoping this day will come where true tourism industry players will join hand to work together for the betterment of Malaysia’s tourism industry instead of self-promotion or personal-interest in priority.”
“We will be able to enhance Members travel and tour offerings for clients towards creating more business opportunities and better business conditions, contributing towards the growth of Malaysia travel and tourism industry” added Tan.
MATTA is proactive to uplift professionalism and practices, to upgrade service delivery and create more innovative tourism packages by developing closer working relationships with various sectors in the tourism industry.
MAH President added, “MAH and the hotel industry are thrilled to affirm our mutual commitment and goals for the development of tourism and hospitality industry alongside MATTA. Our shared values of respect, dedication and passion in driving innovation in pursuit of highest quality of partnership will undoubtedly ensure a lasting relationship.”
The two national Association bodies are looking forward to further strengthen their partnership, for the benefit of Members and growth of Malaysia's tourism and hospitality industry.
DATUK TAN KOK LIANG CHEAH SWEE HEE
President MATTA President MAH
Term 2017 – 2019 Term 2016 – 2019
About Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA)
MATTA is the largest NGO for travel in Malaysia. Currently, it has a total number of 3,200 members, comprising of local tour and travel agents as well as overseas affiliations. With a full time Secretariat based in Fraser Business Park, Kuala Lumpur, MATTA has state chapters in Kedah, Penang, Perak, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Kuala Lumpur, Pahang, Terengganu, Kelantan, Selangor, Johor, Sabah and Sarawak.
MATTA’s vision is to contribute significantly to the growth and development of the travel and tourism industry in Malaysia. It has the mission of ensuring members operate ethically and professionally and meets the needs of travellers by providing effective advocacy in industry and government affairs, training, education and communications initiatives as well as marketing opportunities. www.matta.org.my
About Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH)
Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) is the umbrella body for hotels in Malaysia formed in 1974 and initially established by a group of concerned and dedicated hoteliers to bring about a more dynamic hospitality industry aimed at building a workforce of highly skilled, innovative and disciplined individuals. Its long-term goal was to enhance the efficiency of the hospitality industry, thus, bringing about a more dynamic Malaysian hospitality industry. MAH, as the official national network for the hotel industry, represents more than 992 hotels throughout Malaysia supplying a total of 154,190 rooms which is about 65% of the total number of hotel rooms available as guest accommodation in this country. With 13 chapters across the nation, MAH acts as a voice of the industry, working as one body to promote, protect, represent and advance the interests of its members. www.hotels.org.my