The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta), a marketplace for travelers and tour operators, is integrating technology into travel through "Matta Online," a travel platform powered by artificial intelligence (AI).

The platform was developed in partnership with Matta and its technology partner Fusionex Group and uses that company's technology to bring consumers into an easy-to-use online travel booking environment.

When arranging a trip to Malaysia, Matta Online will meet the demands of both domestic and foreign tourists who are looking for a wonderful travel experience.

It links travelers with Matta members, which include travel brokers and tour operators for lodging, transportation, attractions, theme parks, and other travel service providers.

The innovative initiative, according to Matta President Datuk Tan Kok Liang, aims to promote small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) travel agencies while utilizing technology as a major engine of the nation's tourist industry.

The majority of travel agencies and operators only have a small number of resources at their disposal, hence Matta Online was created to help SMEs expand their travel operations quickly.

During the introduction yesterday, he added, "The platform would allow Matta members to reach up to 16.29 million Malaysians, as well as target a global consumer audience.

He stated that as of yesterday, over 150 travel agencies and tour operators had registered with the platform, and there were more than 300 different packages.

By the end of the year, Tan predicted that they will have more than 3,000 packages sold and reached their goal of 300 agents.

Fusionex CEO Datuk Seri Ivan Teh said the platform supports consumers' digital lifestyles while meeting the needs of both travelers and operators.

"Recently, we have also observed changes in the shopping behaviors and customs of the younger generation, which is more accustomed to and at ease with online shopping than with in-person purchases.

This is where Matta Online comes in, he added. "It is digital and provides customers with access to seamless and most cheap travel needs while earning their spending power.

Regarding the merchants, Teh stated that additions would be made gradually because the platform welcomes all merchants, regardless of their specialty, to join.

By working with us, merchants will have access to AI-powered technology that will enable them to monitor and measure important performance metrics in real-time.

Matta best meets the needs of industry participants as they begin to carry out their business planning in conjunction with the reopening of borders, according to Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.

At the launch, she added, "This is also opportune with Malaysians' rising desire for domestic and international travel."

In addition to Motac, Tourism Malaysia, Penang Global Tourism, and the Malaysian Aviation Group also support the effort.

We have a lot of work to do, but if we cooperate and think strategically and creatively, we can make Malaysia once again one of the world's top 10 vacation destinations, Nancy remarked