GMTI 2025: # 1 among other 153 destinations
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A REVIEW ITC 2020-2025
Recognition & Reach: A decade at # 1 in GMTI
Validation that translates into demand, partnerships and pride
“ Our sustained achievement in GMTI reflects not only consistency but the collective efforts of government, industry and stakeholders … Muslim‐friendly tourism is no longer a niche.”
— Nur Alyssa Coraline Yussin, Acting Director‐General, ITC— RnR July – Aug 2025, p. 6 – 7
GMTI 2025: # 1 among other 153 destinations
Strategic MOUs: Indonesia, Kyrgyz Republic, Russia, Uzbekistan
New sub‐indices emphasise women‐friendly and accessible travel
Recognition matters because it simplifies choice. For the tenth consecutive year, Malaysia sits at the top of CrescentRating’ s Global Muslim Travel Index( GMTI). The 2025 score: 79 out of 100 across 153 destinations – with seamless access to halal food, prayer spaces, accommodation quality, and a reputation for safety and welcome.
The milestone, conferred at the Halal in Travel Awards in Singapore, is not merely symbolic; it’ s a buy signal for families and tour operators comparing destinations.
Critically, GMTI’ s newer lenses: Muslim Women‐Friendly Destinations and Muslim‐Friendly Accessible Travel, align with Malaysia’ s inclusive stance, from multigenerational family trips to neurodivergent‐friendly experiences.
Under GMTI’ s ACES‐style criteria( accessibility, transport, safety, overall Muslim‐friendliness), Malaysia’ s strengths extend from hard infrastructure to a culture of hospitality. The implication is clear: standards and empathy translate into competitive advantage.
The international landscape is getting more competitive as non‐OIC destinations from Singapore and the United Kingdom( UK) to Taiwan and Thailand, raise their game for Muslim travellers. Malaysia’ s response is to stay the benchmark: scale recognitions, deepen accessibility, and sustain international visibility through MOUs, thought leadership and ITM storytelling that shows, not just says, why Malaysia works for Muslim travellers.
References: RnR July – Aug 2025.