Malaysia showcases Thai cuisine festival and Muslim‑Friendly Travel Fair

The Tourism Authority of Thailand, together with Central Group, staged the Amazing Thailand Fest 2026 at Central i‑City in Shah Alam from 26‑28 June. The three‑day event highlighted Thai gastronomy, with Princess Ubolratana presiding over the opening and a live cooking demonstration by Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul, who said, “Thai cuisine is a national strength that connects culture, identity, and tourism.” The festival aimed to inspire Malaysian travellers, noting that Malaysians accounted for over 2 million visitors to Thailand in the first half of 2026.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) hosted the second MATTA Muslim Friendly Travel Fair (MFTF) at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur on 4‑5 July. The fair featured 122 booths from 57 organisations and underscored Malaysia’s leading position on the Global Muslim Travel Index for the 11th consecutive year. Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing highlighted the event’s role in achieving the Visit Malaysia 2026 target of 47 million visitors and MYR 329 billion in tourism receipts. An MoU between MATTA and the Islamic Tourism Centre was signed to strengthen the halal‑tourism ecosystem.