Adeel Malik
Alhamdulilah excellent work by all behind making this possible, not just in Hong Kong but worldwide.
Reported by MasterCard – As awareness of Muslim travelers’ needs grows, Halal travel is increasingly shaping how destinations design and deliver experiences.
Driven by a rising demand for inclusive, faith-aligned experiences, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Türkiye, UAE, Saudi Arabia, the UK, and Taiwan are now at the forefront of a global Halal tourism surge, fueling a remarkable twenty-five percent growth in Muslim travel in 2024 alone.
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 USD$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 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.
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.
Taiwan has also continuously positioned itself as a Muslim-friendly destination, offering a welcoming environment that respects cultural and religious diversity. Over 230 restaurants and hotels have been Halal-certified by the Chinese Muslim Association, many of which include separate kitchens to meet dietary requirements.
Fazal Bahardeen, Founder & CEO, CrescentRating said, “As we launch the 10th edition of the Mastercard-CrescentRating GMTI, we celebrate an eleven-year journey of innovation with Mastercard. This report is a catalyst for change, shaping tourism policies globally. Together with Mastercard, we remain committed to building a travel ecosystem rooted in understanding, inclusivity, and excellence, ensuring travel continues to bridge cultures and celebrate diversity.”
Safdar Khan, division president, Southeast Asia, Mastercard, said, “Tourism is a powerful driver of economic growth in Southeast Asia, supporting job creation, empowering local tourism businesses, and advancing national development agendas. Mastercard remains committed to working with governments, tourism authorities, and industry partners to elevate travel through inclusive growth, digital innovation, and data-driven insights. The 10th edition of the Mastercard-CrescentRating GMTI reflects a long-standing collaboration built on shared purpose to help shape a more resilient, inclusive, and opportunity-rich travel ecosystem.”
With the global Muslim travel market entering a dynamic new growth phase, GMTI 2025 serves as a timely guide for stakeholders looking to tap into this fast-evolving landscape.
Download the full GMTI 2025 report here: https://www.crescentrating.com/halal-muslim-travel-market-reports.html
