MATA and Da Nang Tourism Association Ink MoU to Boost Regional Tourism Cooperation Ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026

Da Nang, Vietnam – 09 April 2025- In a significant stride toward strengthening regional tourism cooperation, the Malaysia Tourism Agency Association (MATA) and the Da Nang Tourism Association (DATA) formalized a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today. The signing took place during the ASEAN Connect Conference in Da Nang, Vietnam, marking a pivotal moment for tourism collaboration ahead of Malaysia’s Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign.

The ceremony, attended by distinguished dignitaries and delegates from ASEAN member states, underscored a shared commitment to advancing bilateral efforts in tourism promotion, product development, human resource training, and joint marketing initiatives. This partnership aligns strategically with Malaysia’s preparations to welcome global visitors in 2026, amplifying its regional outreach.

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The MoU was signed by Dato’ Seri Dr. Haji Mohd Khalid Harun, President of MATA, and Mr. Cao Tri Dung, Chairman of the Da Nang Tourism Association, during a dedicated session focused on regional tourism promotion and cooperation. Speaking at the event, Dato’ Seri Dr. Khalid Harun remarked,
“This MoU is a testament to our shared vision for a more connected, resilient, and dynamic ASEAN tourism landscape. As Malaysia gears up for Visit Malaysia 2026, we are committed to building stronger partnerships within the region, starting with vibrant destinations like Da Nang.”

Mr. Cao Tri Dung, Chairman of DATA, echoed this optimism, stating,
“With this partnership, we look forward to developing attractive cross-border travel experiences, expanding our market outreach, and fostering deeper collaboration between our tourism communities.”

The event was graced by H.E. Dato’ Tan Yang Thai, Ambassador of Malaysia to Vietnam, and H.E. Meynardo LB. Montealegre, Ambassador of the Philippines to Vietnam. Both dignitaries highlighted the critical role of multilateral cooperation in driving post-pandemic tourism recovery and ensuring sustainable growth across the region.

In addition to the MATA-DATA agreement, a parallel MoU was signed between DATA and the Calabarzon Alliance of Independent Tour Operators (CAITO) from the Philippines. This dual collaboration signals Da Nang’s bold ambition to establish itself as a central tourism hub within the ASEAN bloc.

The ASEAN Connect Conference, themed “Opportunities to Enhance Cooperation between Da Nang and ASEAN Partners,” provided an ideal platform for city-to-city diplomacy, trade promotion, and the forging of regional tourism partnerships. The event emphasized the growing influence of tourism associations in advancing ASEAN’s tourism integration agenda and fostering people-to-people connectivity.