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Global Muslim Travel Index 2025 | Halal Trip

As awareness of the needs of Muslim travelers increases, Halal travel is playing a significant role in how destinations create and offer experiences. The recently published 2025 Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) indicates that international Muslim arrivals reached 176 million in 2024, marking a 25% increase from 2023, and are expected to rise to 245 million by 2030.

At that point, total travel expenditure is anticipated to hit USD$230 billion, underscoring the increasing impact and economic potential of this dynamic market. To remain competitive, those involved in travel and tourism must adjust to the changing requirements of Muslim travelers, emphasizing purpose, inclusivity, and digital innovation. The 10th edition of the GMTI outlines the major trends and leading destinations influencing the future of Halal-friendly travel.


Key Consumer Trends Impacting Halal Travel

GMTI 2025 identifies five significant trends influencing current Muslim travel preferences:


  • Smart Apps for Halal Journeys: Muslim travelers are increasingly using digital tools that provide seamless access to faith-aligned services and tailor-made experiences.


  • The Modern Female Muslim Traveler: Women are significantly impacting the Halal travel sector, increasing the demand for safer, inclusive, and thoughtfully designed spaces.


  • Muslim-friendly facilities: Destinations offering alcohol-free environments, Halal-certified dining, prayer facilities, and gender-segregated pools and spas are becoming crucial.


  • Solo Travel Surge: Younger Muslim travelers are opting for solo adventures, valuing independence and customized itineraries.


  • Digital Detox Retreats: Inspired by Islamic principles of mindfulness and balance, many travelers are pursuing tech-free escapes focused on nature and spirituality.



Southeast Asia Leads in Muslim-Friendly Travel

Southeast Asia continues to excel in GMTI’s destination rankings for both OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation) and non-OIC categories.


Among OIC destinations, Malaysia maintains its leading position, known for its accessible Halal-friendly services and infrastructure. Indonesia also ranks highly, celebrated for its rich cultural experiences and government initiatives to support Muslim travel. In the non-OIC category, Singapore remains the frontrunner, recognized for its focus on inclusivity and cultural sensitivity.


Thailand and the Philippines are steadily emerging as promising Muslim-friendly destinations in Southeast Asia. Thailand offers warm hospitality and an increasing number of Halal-certified services, while the Philippines is improving its ability to serve Muslim travelers through enhanced Halal food access and Muslim-friendly features at major tourist sites.



Beyond Southeast Asia, Hong Kong has become a prominent non-OIC destination, ranking third in the GMTI 2025. The city has heavily invested in Muslim-friendly infrastructure, with 61 hotels accredited by CrescentRating and 153 restaurants certified as Halal by the Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong. Hong Kong also earned the Most Promising Muslim-Friendly Destination of the Year award, part of the Global Muslim Travel Index Awards.


Taiwan has also consistently positioned itself as a Muslim-friendly destination, providing a welcoming atmosphere that respects cultural and religious diversity. Over 230 restaurants and hotels have been Halal-certified by the Chinese Muslim Association, many featuring separate kitchens to accommodate dietary needs.


Fazal Bahardeen, Founder & CEO of CrescentRating, stated, “As we launch the 10th edition of the Mastercard-CrescentRating GMTI, we celebrate an eleven-year journey of innovation with Mastercard. This report acts as a catalyst for change, influencing tourism policies globally. Together with Mastercard, we remain dedicated to building a travel ecosystem based on understanding, inclusivity, and excellence, ensuring travel continues to connect cultures and celebrate diversity."



Safdar Khan, Division President of Southeast Asia at Mastercard, stated, “Tourism significantly contributes to economic growth in Southeast Asia by creating jobs, empowering local tourism enterprises, and furthering national development goals. Mastercard is dedicated to collaborating with governments, tourism authorities, and industry partners to enhance travel through inclusive growth, digital innovation, and data-driven insights.


The 10th edition of the Mastercard-CrescentRating GMTI represents a longstanding partnership aimed at shaping a more resilient, inclusive, and opportunity-rich travel ecosystem.” As the global Muslim travel market enters a dynamic new growth phase, GMTI 2025 acts as a timely resource for stakeholders aiming to engage with this rapidly evolving sector.


Download the full GMTI 2025 report here:


CrescentRating is the leading authority on Halal travel and tourism. The company uses insights, industry intelligence, lifestyle, behavior and research on the needs of the Muslim traveler to deliver authoritative guidance on all aspects of Halal travel to organizations across the globe.


Founded in 2008, CrescentRating services are used by every tier of the tourism industry, from government bodies and tourism agencies to hospitality service providers, to better serve the needs of the Muslim traveler. CrescentRating’s products and services include rating & accreditation, research & consultancy, training, & certification (CR Academy), industry reports, Halal-In-Travel conferences, HalalChefWorld program, destination marketing and content provisioning. HalalTrip is a sister brand of CrescentRating.


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