As awareness of Muslim travelers’ needs grows, Halal travel is increasingly shaping how destinations design and deliver experiences. According to the newly released 2025 Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI), international Muslim arrivals reached 176 million in 2024 – up 25% from 2023 – and are projected to grow to 245 million by 2030. By then, total travel spending is expected to reach US$230 billion, highlighting the growing influence and economic potential of this vibrant market.
To stay competitive, travel and tourism stakeholders must adapt to the evolving needs of Muslim travelers, prioritizing purpose, inclusivity, and digital innovation. The 10th edition of the GMTI identifies the key trends and destination leaders shaping the future of Halal-friendly travel.
Key Consumer Trends Impacting Halal Travel
GMTI 2025 highlights five important trends shaping Muslim travel preferences today:
- Smart Apps for Halal Journeys: Muslim travelers are embracing digital tools that offer seamless access to faith-aligned services and personalized experiences.
- The Modern Female Muslim Traveler: Women are shaping the Halal travel sector in powerful ways, driving demand for safer, inclusive, and thoughtfully designed spaces.
- Muslim-friendly facilities: Destinations that offer alcohol-free environments, Halal-certified dining, prayer facilities, and gender-segregated pools and spas are becoming essential.
- Solo Travel Surge: Younger Muslim travelers are embracing solo adventures, favoring autonomy and personalized itineraries.
- Digital Detox Retreats: Inspired by Islamic values of mindfulness and balance, many travelers are seeking tech-free escapes rooted in nature and spirituality.
Destinations Leading the Way in Muslim-Friendly Travel
The GMTI 2025 highlights leading destinations around the world that are setting benchmarks in Muslim-friendly travel.
Among Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) destinations, Malaysia retains the top spot, recognized for its accessible Halal-friendly services and infrastructure. Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) share the second spot, each offering a strong combination of cultural heritage, modern amenities, and dedicated efforts to enhance the Muslim travel experience. Indonesia also ranks highly, supported by its rich cultural appeal. Other notable destinations in the Gulf region include Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait, all of which continue to strengthen their offerings for Muslim travelers.
Among non-OIC destinations, Singapore remains the leader – recognized for its emphasis on inclusivity and cultural sensitivity. Thailand and the Philippines are steadily emerging as rising Muslim-friendly destinations in Southeast Asia. Thailand offers warm hospitality and a growing range of Halal-certified services, while the Philippines is enhancing its capacity to serve Muslim travelers through better Halal food access and Muslim-friendly features at key tourist sites.
The 10th edition of the Mastercard-CrescentRating GMTI offers timely, data-driven insights into the needs and behaviours of Muslim travelers — a fast-growing and increasingly influential segment of the global tourism market. Complementing these insights, Mastercard is advancing Malaysia’s tourism aspirations through its ongoing collaboration with Tourism Malaysia. Formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in March 2024, the collaboration focuses on supporting the digitalization of travel infrastructure, including the expansion of secure, seamless cross-border payment capabilities. These efforts align with national objectives to strengthen Malaysia’s position as a leading, future-ready tourism destination ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026.
In addition, Hong Kong has emerged as standout non-OIC destination, ranking third in the GMTI 2025. The city has invested significantly in Muslim-friendly infrastructure, with 61 hotels accredited by CrescentRating and 153 restaurants Halal-certified by the Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong. Hong Kong also received the Most Promising Muslim-Friendly Destination of the Year award, part of the Global Muslim Travel Index Awards.
