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May-June . 2024
GMTI 2024
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Muslim Travel Insights 2024
Southeast Asian destinations dominate the top spots in the Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index 2024
MALAYSIA remains a top contender in the global Muslim travel landscape , sharing the leading position with Indonesia in the Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index ( GMTI ) 2024 . Meanwhile , Singapore retains its position as the top non-OIC destination , emphasising its commitment to providing Muslim-friendly amenities , including halal food options .
The GMTI report paints an exciting picture of the future , predicting a significant uptick in the Muslim travel market this year . Global international arrivals are expected to potentially exceed pre-pandemic
levels by up to five per cent , reaching a projected 168 million by the end of 2024 . This growth reflects the segment ’ s increasing importance , driven by demographic and economic expansions and advancements in cultural and halal tourism development . Technological innovations , including apps tailored to Muslim needs , further enhance destination appeal , while the integration of artificial intelligence streamlines travel logistics while respecting faith traditions .
Maintaining its status as a leading OIC destination for Muslim travellers , Malaysia excels in key GMTI evaluation criteria , including Access , Communications , Environment , and Services ( ACES ). With a consistent track record of excellence since 2015 , Malaysia ’ s dedication to providing top-notch services for Muslim and non-Muslim travellers alike is evident . With an impressive overall score of 76 out of 100 in GMTI 2024 , an increase from 73 last year , Malaysia reaffirms its position as a premier destination for Muslim travellers worldwide . – RnR
The Mastercard-Crescentrating Global Muslim Travel Index ( GMTI ) 2024 provides vital insights into the resilient and rapidly growing Muslim travel market . The full report can be accessed at https :// www . crescentrating . com / reports / globalmuslim-travel-index-2024 . html
Key takeaways of GMTI 2024
Nizran Noordin with the Halal In Travel Award .
Resurgence and Growth in the Muslim Travel Market
More Destinations Becoming Muslim Women-Friendly
Youthful Dynamics in Muslim Travel
Enhanced Muslim- Friendly Facilities and Services
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Global Leaders and Rising Stars in Muslim- Friendly Tourism
IN 2023 , the Muslim travel market rebounded to 90 per cent of prepandemic levels with 145 million arrivals . By 2024 , arrivals are projected to surpass pre-pandemic le�els �y three to fi�e per cent� reaching 164-168 million . By 2028 , arrivals could hit 230 million , with an expenditure of US $ 225 billion , driven by rising incomes , population growth , and improved travel access . |
GMTI 2024 expands its Muslim Women-Friendly rankings to include the top 20 destinations in both OIC and non-OIC categories� re�ecting the gro�ing importance of catering to Muslim women travellers . Leading destinations include Malaysia , Indonesia , Qatar , Brunei , and Maldives in the OIC category , and others in the non-OIC category such as Singapore . |
THE Muslim population is projected to grow from 2.12 billion in 2024 to 2.47 billion by 2034 . �ignificant gro�th in the ��-�� age groups will drive travel preferences and behaviours due to their economic activity and travel propensity . |
��T� ���� re�eals a significant uptick in average scores across destinations , marking a nearly 10 per cent improvement overall . This rise highlights the global trend of destinations enhancing facilities and services to accommodate Muslim travellers better . Almost all top 20 destinations have boosted their GMTI scores , with non-OIC destinations showing particularly robust progress , with a more than six per cent increase in their average scores . |
OIC destinations like Malaysia , Indonesia , Saudi Arabia , Turkey , and UAE lead the GMTI ranking with comprehensive services for faith-based travellers . Meanwhile , emerging destinations like the Philippines , Hong Kong , South Africa , and Spain are gaining popularity among Muslim travellers for their efforts in providing Muslim-friendly amenities and programmes . |
Opportunities in the Muslim Travel Market
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POPULATION & DEMOGRAPHICS : The global Muslim population , predominantly young with over 70 per cent under 40 , is tech-savvy , socially active , and interested in international travel . Their increasing numbers and disposable incomes are driving demand for travel that meets their faith-based needs .
GDP GROWTH : Economic growth in Muslim-majority destinations , such as Indonesia , Malaysia , and Gulf nations , has elevated the middle class , resulting in higher disposable incomes and a greater inclination towards travel . This rise in GDP per capita directly corresponds to increased travel activity as residents seek out new experiences .
��������������������������������������� ��s��� ����� ���re�ess ���ue��es ���est��e ��o��es� including travel , while enhanced digital connectivity empowers access to Muslim-friendly services worldwide .
RESPONSIBLE TOURISM : The Muslim travel market is increasingly guided by values emphasising sustainability and ethics , mirroring the global trend towards responsible tourism . Travellers now favour destinations supporting environmental conservation , social responsibility , and positive contributions to the local economy .
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STRATEGIC DESTINATION DIVERSIFICATION : Destinations are strategically diversifying their appeal to the Muslim market to broaden their visitor base . By incorporating services like halal food options , prayer facilities , and culturally sensitive environments , destinations can attract a more diverse audience and reduce dependence on traditional markets .
ENHANCING UNDERSTANDING AND COMMUNICATION : There are efforts to improve cross-cultural communication and understanding aimed to better serve diverse markets , including Muslim travellers . Destinations implement training programmes for hospitality staff , informational campaigns about faith traditions , and provide multilingual support in tourist hotspots to create a more inclusive travel experience .
����������������������������������� ������������Some destinations create comprehensive halal ecosystems , expanding services to attract Muslim families and groups .
��������������������������������������� EXPERIENCES : Using advanced technologies to create personalised travel experiences for Muslim travellers and employing digital innovations to effectively market destinations by highlighting their readiness to accommodate faith-based needs .