Halal Travel: Malaysia Ranked the Most Muslim-Friendly Destination
For the sixth consecutive year, Malaysia has topped the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI), reinforcing its position as the best destination for halal travel. The index ranks 130 countries based on how well they cater to the needs of Muslim travelers. Malaysia’s consistent top ranking reflects its commitment to providing family-friendly holidays, safe travel options, and a wide range of Muslim-friendly services and facilities.
Halal Travel Market Growth
The halal travel market has been one of the fastest-growing segments in the global travel industry. In 2018, 117 million Muslim travelers were recorded, and this number is projected to rise to 168 million by 2020, generating an impressive USD 200 billion in revenue. The growth is driven by an increasing Muslim population, which is expected to make up 26% of the global population by 2030. Moreover, a growing middle class with greater disposable income in countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Turkey, and the Gulf nations is contributing to the market's expansion.
Muslim travelers are also increasingly young, with a median age of 23 in 2018, seven years younger than the median age of non-Muslims. This younger demographic is better informed and more influential when planning family holidays. The rise in internet access and smartphones has made travel planning much easier, with Muslim travelers now able to access information and book services that cater specifically to their needs.
Top 10 Muslim-Friendly Destinations
Muslim-majority countries:
- Malaysia
- United Arab Emirates
- Turkey
- Indonesia
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Oman
- Morocco
- Jordan
- Egypt
Non-Muslim countries:
- Singapore
- Thailand
- Britain
- South Africa
- Hong Kong
- France
- Taiwan
- Japan
- Sri Lanka
- United States
The Appeal of Malaysia for Muslim Travelers
Malaysia's success in maintaining its top position can be attributed to its focus on halal awareness and destination marketing. The country’s strong infrastructure supports Muslim travelers with facilities such as halal food options, prayer spaces, and hotels with features like Qibla direction indicators. Additionally, Malaysia’s diverse culture and rich Islamic heritage make it an attractive destination for those seeking a seamless halal travel experience.
The UAE has moved up to the second position, overtaking Turkey, while Indonesia has risen to 4th place, highlighting the growing competition in the halal travel space. Among non-Muslim countries, Singapore leads the way with its proximity to Malaysia and its growing reputation for being Muslim-friendly. Other countries like Taiwan and Japan are also improving their rankings, showing the global trend towards catering to Muslim travelers’ needs.
Why Halal Travel is Booming
The rapid growth of the halal travel market can be attributed to several factors:
- Growing Muslim Population: Muslims are the youngest major religious group, and with their increasing numbers, they represent a powerful segment of the global travel market.
- Rising Disposable Income: The economic development of countries with large Muslim populations has led to more people being able to afford travel.
- Improved Technology: With better access to travel information via the internet and smartphones, Muslim travelers now have easier access to services tailored to their needs.
- Halal Travel Services: More hotels, airlines, and tourism services are now offering halal options, from prayer facilities to halal food, making travel more convenient and accessible for Muslim tourists.
Looking Ahead
As the halal travel market continues to grow, destinations and companies will need to adapt even more to meet the demands of Muslim travelers. Malaysia’s continued success in leading the GMTI is a testament to how the country has embraced and enhanced its appeal to this segment. With the increasing influence of young, informed Muslim travelers and the availability of tailored services, the future of halal travel looks brighter than ever.
