Malaysia tops as a Muslim-friendly and Muslim women-friendly destination
“ As a leader in the Islamic Tourism industry , Malaysia is proud to witness this sector ’ s development , garnering increasing attention from international tourism practitioners .” – Tiong King Sing
AWARD
04 | JULY-AUGUST , 2023
Beyond hospitality
Malaysia tops as a Muslim-friendly and Muslim women-friendly destination
MALAYSIA has established itself as a leading force in Islamic tourism , earning widespread acclaim and recognition . The country ’ s unwavering dedication to providing exceptional experiences for Muslim travellers has placed it at the forefront of the industry .
Malaysia ’ s outstanding achievements in Islamic tourism were celebrated at the Halal in Travel Awards in Singapore , held on June 1 , 2023 , when the country received the prestigious recognition as the “ Top Muslim-Friendly Destination ( OIC )” and " Muslim Women-Friendly Destination of the Year " by CrescentRating and Mastercard .
It also proudly retained its top position as “ Top Muslim-Friendly Destination ” in the “ Global Muslim Travel Index ( GMTI ) 2023 ” report at the same event .
According to Dato Sri Tiong King Sing , Ministry of Tourism , Arts , and Culture ( MOTAC ) Minister , this achievement is a source of pride that further solidifies Malaysia ’ s position and branding as a leader in the Islamic tourism segment and Muslim- Friendly Tourism and Hospitality ( MFTH ) regionally and internationally .
Malaysia attracted 2.12 million Muslim tourists to the country last year , with Muslim tourist spending totalling RM5.37 billion . This development demonstrates Muslim travellers ’ desire and capability to enhance the country ’ s international tourism sector .
TOP MUSLIM-FRIENDLY DESTINATION
While Malaysia has been seriously exploring and attracting Muslim tourists for over a decade , the Islamic Tourism segment has recently gained attention from other leading destinations worldwide . This year , both Malaysia and Indonesia shared “ Top Muslim-Friendly Destination " ranking in the GMTI .
“ As a leader in the Islamic Tourism industry , Malaysia is proud to witness this sector ’ s development , garnering increasing attention from international tourism practitioners ,” said Tiong in an official statement .
The Muslim travel market is a significant global segment . According to the GMTI , Muslim international arrivals reached 110 million in 2022 and are forecasted to reach 140 million this year . By 2028 , it is expected to reach 230 million , with a projected expenditure of US $ 225 billion . Asia currently leads with over 31 per cent of travellers to the region identifying as Muslims .
Indonesia and Malaysia , with equal scores in this year ’ s index , have established themselves as renowned choices for Muslim travellers . Indonesia had previously secured the top position in the 2019 report , while Malaysia has consistently maintained its leading position in the GMTI since 2015 .
The index evaluates destinations based on four critical criteria : Access , Communications , Environment , and Services ( ACES ). Southeast Asian destinations excelled in all four criteria , ranking among the top 10 globally . In the overall assessment , Indonesia and Malaysia achieved an impressive 73 out of 100 .
The report also found several global travel behaviours impacting trends among Muslim travellers , with the demographic increasingly : incorporating sustainability into their travel ; opting for destinations and activities to improve their health and wellness ; finding opportunities for immersive experiences and authenticity ; and incorporating personal development into their travel plans .
MUSLIM WOMEN-FRIENDLY DESTINATION
According to the report , Malaysia emerged as the leading Muslim women-friendly destination . It highlights Malaysia ’ s well-rounded appeal to Muslim women , emphasising safety , the absence of faith restrictions , and sustainable socio-economic practices .
Indonesia follows closely with a score that mirrors Malaysia ’ s , showcasing its comprehensive efforts to create a welcoming environment for Muslim women .
The report also highlights the evolving landscape of Muslim women travelling within the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation ( OIC ) destinations , acknowledging their unique needs and preferences . Each destination provides a comfortable , secure , and faith-friendly environment catering to Muslim women travellers .
The Mastercard-CrescentRating Muslim Women in Travel ( MWIT ) 2019 report introduces the P . A . I . N . S model , which identifies unique concerns stakeholders should address regarding Muslim women travellers .
The model stands for Privacy , Amenities , Identity , Networks , and Safety . By addressing the problems outlined in the P . A . I . N . S model , stakeholders can enhance the travel experiences of Muslim women and create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for their unique needs and preferences .
WELCOMING MORE ISLAMIC TOURISM PLAYERS
MOTAC Deputy Minister Tuan Khairul
Winners at Halal in Travel Awards .
YB Tuan Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan ( centre ) at Halal in Travel Awards .
Firdaus Akbar Khan proudly accepted the awards on behalf of Malaysia at the Halal in Travel Awards . These prestigious accolades catalyse MOTAC and its agency , the Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ), to further strengthen their commitment to positioning Malaysia as a preferred destination for Muslim travellers .
With unwavering dedication , Malaysia strives to welcome increasing numbers of Muslim tourists by offering various activities , services , and facilities that promise a unique , captivating , and unforgettable tourism experience .
This endeavour benefits Muslim travellers and extends to non-Muslim visitors who seek to explore Malaysia ’ s rich culture , heritage , history , and Islamic architecture .
The encouragement is extended to local entrepreneurs and industry practitioners of all religions and ethnicities to develop their own Muslim-friendly services as an added value . They are also urged to actively engage in courses and programmes offered by the ITC , such as the Muslim-Friendly Tourist Guide ( MFTG ) course , designed for licensed local tour guides , and the Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition ( MFAR ) programme , which provides promising
business development opportunities for Malaysians in the rapidly growing Islamic tourism industry .
Together , these efforts foster a vibrant and inclusive tourism landscape , showcasing Malaysia ’ s unwavering commitment to providing exceptional experiences and services to cater to Muslim and non-Muslim travellers ’ diverse needs . — R & R
“ As a leader in the Islamic Tourism industry , Malaysia is proud to witness this sector ’ s development , garnering increasing attention from international tourism practitioners .” – Tiong King Sing