The global Muslim travel market has not only recovered from the pandemic; it has entered a new phase of accelerated growth, with international arrivals in 2024 expected to surpass pre-pandemic levels by 10%. This is a headline finding from the 10th edition of the Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2025, unveiled this month at the Halal in Travel Global Summit in Singapore.

After many years of tracking the pulse of the Halal travel sector, this year's report highlights a resilient and dynamic market on a growth trajectory. It points to a fundamental shift in the travel landscape, defined by an evolving traveler profile, a new competitive environment, and a crucial, deepening focus on meaningful inclusivity.

A Market Forging Ahead: The Numbers

The GMTI 2025 data paints a clear picture of a sector with powerful momentum.

• International arrivals reached an estimated 176 million in 2024, a remarkable 25% increase from 2023.
• The market is projected to reach 245 million arrivals by 2030, with traveler expenditure forecast to hit USD 235 billion.

This accelerated growth is a strong signal of the market's vitality and its increasing importance to the global tourism economy.

The Evolving Muslim Traveler: Independent, Conscious, and Diverse

Beyond the numbers, the report reveals a significant evolution in who the Muslim traveler is and what they seek. While family travel remains a cornerstone, there is a noticeable rise in independent journeys, particularly among Millennial and Gen Z travelers. This cohort, comprising digital natives, is driving demand for:

• Solo and Female-Centric Travel: A growing number of women are seeking empowering, safe, and autonomous travel experiences.
• Purpose-Driven Journeys: There is a clear move away from simple sightseeing towards more meaningful experiences, such as regenerative tourism (leaving a place better), digital detox retreats, and faith-adapted sports tourism.

It's a shift from just the 'where' to the 'why' and the 'how' of travel.

Deepening Inclusivity: Beyond the Obvious

Perhaps the most significant theme in the GMTI 2025 is the call to broaden the definition of inclusive travel. For the first time, the report places a strategic focus on segments that are often overlooked in tourism design:

• Neurodivergent Travelers: Representing 10-20% of the global population, travelers with autism, ADHD, and other neurodiverse conditions face unique challenges like sensory overload and anxiety. The report highlights the need for practical solutions, such as quiet rooms in airports and malls, clear and visually distinct signage, and sensory-aware staff training.
• Active Senior Travelers: This high-value segment, comprising one-third of travelers in 2024, prioritizes comfort and accessibility. Their needs, including elevators, ample seating, and straightforward, easy navigation, are paramount for creating genuinely enjoyable travel experiences.

To drive progress, the GMTI has introduced new sub-indexes to specifically rank Muslim Women-Friendly Destinations and Muslim-Friendly Accessible Destinations, pushing the industry towards a more nuanced and compassionate understanding of traveler needs.

A New Competitive Landscape: Strategy Over Demographics

The GMTI 2025 rankings reveal a fascinating trend: the growing success of non-Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) destinations. While Malaysia continues to hold the top spot for OIC nations, followed by Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, the non-OIC list shows the power of a proactive strategy.

Singapore remains the leader in this category, followed by the UK in second place. Notably, Hong Kong made a significant 10-point jump to secure the third position. Their success proves that a large local Muslim population is not a prerequisite for becoming a leading Halal-friendly destination. Instead, leadership is achieved through deliberate investment in:

• Infrastructure: Ensuring easy access to prayer facilities and Halal-certified dining.
• Service Excellence: Training staff on cultural sensitivities.
• Assurance: Providing travelers with peace of mind through recognized certifications and ratings.

The Future Framework: Introducing RIDA

For years, the GMTI has been built on the foundational ACES (Access, Communications, Environment, Services) framework. Last year, the report introduced the RIDA (Responsible, Immersive, Digital, Assured) paradigm as the new direction for the future.

RIDA pushes destinations beyond simple accommodation towards a more holistic model that aligns with global concerns, such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals. It measures the quality and impact of tourism through the new RIDA Impact Score (RIS), evaluating destinations on their commitment to eco-certified hotels, ethical tourism practices, and the use of practical digital tools, providing travelers with rock-solid assurance.

A Blueprint for the Future

As the global travel sector navigates future disruptions, from geopolitics and AI to rising anti-Muslim sentiment, the GMTI 2025 report serves as more than an index. It is a strategic blueprint. It demonstrates that the principles of understanding diverse needs, investing in genuine hospitality, and committing to inclusivity are the keys to building a more resilient, responsible, and ultimately more successful tourism ecosystem for everyone.

To explore all the rankings and gain deeper insights, download the full Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index 2025 report.