The International Tourism, Arts and Culture Exhibition and Conference 2026 (INTAC’26) opened at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), bringing together 155 exhibitors from 35 countries to strengthen global tourism partnerships and promote Malaysia’s arts and cultural heritage.
The three-day event, which runs from 2 to 4 October, expects around 5,000 trade visitors. It aims to create business opportunities across tourism, arts, fashion and culture while supporting Malaysia’s Visit Malaysia 2026–2027 campaign.
Mr Mohd Akbal Setia, Deputy Director General (Promotion) of Tourism Malaysia and Head of the Visit Malaysia 2026–2027 Secretariat, officiated the opening on behalf of Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Yang Berhormat Dato Sri Tiong King Sing.
Mohd Akbal highlighted the tourism sector’s economic contribution, which accounts for more than 15% of Malaysia’s gross domestic product (GDP). He noted that tourism supports businesses throughout the value chain, including hotels, e-hailing services, local artisans and family-owned restaurants.
Malaysia recorded 21.1 million international visitor arrivals between January and June 2026, marking a 2.5% increase compared with the same period in 2025.
“This performance reflects the continued appeal of Malaysia as a tourism destination and the importance of strengthening our international tourism partnerships,” he said.
INTAC’26 Supports Visit Malaysia 2026–2027
Organised by WEX Malaysia Sdn Bhd with co-organiser Warisan AD, INTAC’26 returns for its second edition under the theme “Bridging Cultures, Inspiring Trade”.
The exhibition aims to connect tourism, arts and culture practitioners while creating opportunities for international collaboration and business development.
Mohd Akbal said Malaysia’s multicultural heritage, cuisine, festivals, natural attractions and creative communities form an important part of the country’s “Malaysia, Truly Asia” identity.
He added that platforms such as INTAC can help industry players develop joint promotions and create tourism experiences that benefit local destinations and communities.
WEX Malaysia Chief Executive Officer Dr Leena Mujahed said the event aims to establish INTAC as a global hub for tourism, arts and culture.
She highlighted how tourism connects people, art shares cultural stories, and trade turns these connections into lasting partnerships.
Tourism, Fashion and Cultural Showcases Take Centre Stage
Across three days, INTAC’26 features a range of exhibitions and activities for industry professionals, businesses and visitors.
Highlights include tourism showcases, destination presentations and displays by artisans, fashion designers and artists. The programme also features the Fashion Tourism Forum and the Journey in Style international fashion showcase.
In addition, industry pocket talks, youth-focused activities and a virtual conference will explore tourism, culture and innovation.
These activities aim to encourage knowledge sharing, showcase creative talent and build connections between local and international industry players.
INTAC’26 Brings Industry and Academia Together
The conference segment also connects tourism professionals with academic researchers through industry development and research initiatives.
According to the organisers, the INTAC’26 conference received recognition from ASEAN RECORDS for being the first international tourism, arts and culture exhibition and conference to combine licence-renewal education points for tourist guides with an academic research conference.
The programme includes six sessions offering six Continuing Tourism Related Education (CTRE) points approved by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC) for tourist guides. It also incorporates the 6th International Conference on Languages, Education and Tourism (ICLET 2026).
GEO Training Studio Sdn Bhd and MOTAC supported the initiative.
Government and Industry Partners Support Malaysia’s Tourism Growth
INTAC’26 receives support from MOTAC, Tourism Malaysia and the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB).
Its strategic partners include the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah, the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL). JGL Worldwide serves as the main sponsor and logistics partner.
During the opening, Mohd Akbal encouraged exhibitors and participants to use the platform to showcase their offerings, establish business connections and explore new partnerships.
He expressed hope that the event would generate new tourism products, visitor experiences and lasting commercial opportunities beyond the exhibition.
By bringing together international exhibitors, tourism professionals, creative practitioners and policymakers, INTAC’26 aims to strengthen Malaysia’s global tourism connections and support the continued development of its tourism, arts and culture sectors.
The event is held in support of Visit Malaysia 2026–2027, with the broader goal of turning cultural exchange into stronger industry partnerships and sustainable tourism opportunities.
