The much-anticipated launch of the Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2023 took place at the Village Katong Hotel in Singapore, on the 1st of June 2023 offering deep insights into the ever-evolving landscape of Halal travel. The GMTI report, meticulously compiled by Mastercard & CrescentRating, reveals rankings and analysis for various criteria surrounding destinations' appeal to Muslim travelers from 2015 to 2023.
For nearly a decade, the GMTI has served as a compass guiding travelers, governments, and businesses in understanding the dynamics of the rapidly expanding Muslim travel market. In this latest edition, the index unravels a tale of contrasting positioning as OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation) and non-OIC destinations fiercely compete for the attention of Muslim travelers worldwide. As international tourism reopens following the COVID-19 pandemic, this year's rankings provide valuable insights into the destinations that have successfully adapted to cater to the needs of this discerning demographic.
Destinations, including Indonesia and Malaysia, secure top positions in the Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index 2023, highlighting their successful efforts in catering to Muslim travelers. The United Kingdom impressively climbs eight positions to secure the 20th spot, while Singapore and the UK stand out as the only non-OIC destinations in the top 20, showcasing their dedication to inclusivity.
As the world embraces travelers once more, the industry's recovery signals a promising future for global tourism, with destinations prioritizing connectivity, marketing, hospitality, and infrastructure to meet the diverse needs of travelers worldwide.
Singapore maintains its leading position among non-OIC destinations in the Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index 2023, showcasing remarkable consistency since the index's inception in 2015. The United Kingdom (UK) makes significant strides, securing the second spot and surpassing Taiwan, now positioned third. Noteworthy advancements include Germany's impressive climb by five positions, claiming the 7th spot among top non-OIC destinations, and the Philippines' improved ranking. These developments highlight countries' dedication to embracing the Muslim travel market and providing inclusive experiences for global tourists.
Western Asia and Northern Africa rise to the top of the Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index 2023, thanks to their impressive array of Muslim-majority destinations. Türkiye and the GCC nations shine in Western Asia, while Egypt and Morocco captivate travelers in Northern Africa with their rich history and cultural charm. Central Asia, led by Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, shows promise for future growth.
On the other hand, South-Eastern Asia secures the fourth position, bolstered by Halal-friendly havens like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore. However, South America and Central America find themselves in the lower tier of the index, highlighting opportunities for growth in catering to Muslim travelers. The index sheds light on the regions that excel in meeting the needs of Muslim travelers and those with untapped potential in the global Muslim travel market.
In the pursuit of tourism development, access emerges as a vital component, encompassing elements like air and land connectivity, visa requirements, and destination transport infrastructure. The Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index 2023 reveals that Qatar, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Saudi Arabia lead the pack as the most accessible destinations for the top 30 Muslim outbound markets. Their strategic locations relative to these markets, coupled with their status as prominent airline hubs, contribute to their top rankings.
Additionally, these destinations are supported by excellent transportation facilities that ensure travelers' seamless mobility during their journeys. As accessibility becomes a key consideration for Muslim travelers, countries must focus on enhancing connectivity and infrastructure to attract this dynamic and growing segment of the global travel market.
Effective communication and stakeholder awareness have become paramount in creating a hospitable environment and developing essential infrastructure. The GMTI 2023 sheds light on this crucial category, evaluating destination marketing efforts targeting Muslim visitors and the level of awareness among stakeholders regarding the Muslim market. From digital content and visitor guides to proficiency in languages spoken by Muslim travelers, countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Egypt emerge as top performers this year. This focus on authentic engagement and understanding the needs of Muslim travelers marks a significant step in fostering inclusivity and enhancing the appeal of destinations in the competitive global Muslim travel market.
GMTI 2023 highlights the critical importance of creating a welcoming environment for Muslim travelers. The "Environment" category assesses factors such as safety, dress code restrictions, and protection against hate crimes, ensuring a comfortable experience for Muslim travelers during their journeys. Additionally, the index evaluates a destination's "Enabling Climate," focusing on its capacity to foster innovation and entrepreneurship, thereby promoting the growth of tourism facilities and sustainable practices.
With sustainability gaining momentum in the industry, the index now incorporates Environmental, Socio-Cultural, and Socio-Economic aspects, emphasizing the need to preserve natural and cultural heritage while offering responsible and enriching experiences for travelers. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates stand out as top performers, epitomizing destinations committed to providing a secure and welcoming atmosphere for Muslim travelers seeking authentic and ethically-conscious experiences. As the global travel landscape evolves, this index underscores the industry's collective efforts to prioritize the diverse needs of Muslim travelers and embrace responsible tourism practices.
The travel index places the spotlight on the role of optimal service touchpoints in welcoming and retaining Muslim travelers. The "Services" category assesses the presence of essential Muslim-friendly offerings in restaurants, hotels, and airports, ensuring that destinations cater to the faith-based needs of Muslim travelers. By providing halal dining options, convenient access to prayer places, Muslim-friendly accommodations, and even halal food and prayer places in airports, top-performing destinations like Indonesia, Türkiye, and Malaysia elevate the overall travel experience, showcasing their commitment to delivering exceptional services tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers.
As the travel industry embraces inclusivity, these efforts emphasize the growing importance of catering to the diverse preferences of Muslim tourists, fostering a sense of hospitality and appreciation in destinations worldwide.
Visit this link to download the GMTI 2023 full report!
