
Tourism : Africa attracts Muslim tavelers, France loses ground
France is no longer among the most attractive destinations for Muslim travelers, according to the 2025 edition of the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI). Developed by CrescentRating in partnership with Mastercard, this benchmark ranking has assessed the world's most «Muslim-friendly» tourist destinations annually since 2015.
The latest report, which now includes 153 countries, shows a notable decline in the appeal of several Western destinations. Countries such as France, Switzerland, Belgium, and even the United States are absent from this year's ranking. Meanwhile, nations like Kenya, New Zealand, and Lebanon are gaining prominence.
The Asia-Pacific and African regions continue to rise in popularity. Malaysia, Türkiye, and Saudi Arabia remain firmly at the top of the list.
In 2024, Muslim tourists took nearly 176 million trips, an increase of over 25% compared to the previous year. By 2030, that number is expected to grow to 245 million, representing a market valued at $230 billion.
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Ya Biladi
14 hours ago
- Ya Biladi
Tourism : Africa attracts Muslim tavelers, France loses ground
France is no longer among the most attractive destinations for Muslim travelers, according to the 2025 edition of the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI). Developed by CrescentRating in partnership with Mastercard, this benchmark ranking has assessed the world's most «Muslim-friendly» tourist destinations annually since 2015. The latest report, which now includes 153 countries, shows a notable decline in the appeal of several Western destinations. Countries such as France, Switzerland, Belgium, and even the United States are absent from this year's ranking. Meanwhile, nations like Kenya, New Zealand, and Lebanon are gaining prominence. The Asia-Pacific and African regions continue to rise in popularity. Malaysia, Türkiye, and Saudi Arabia remain firmly at the top of the list. In 2024, Muslim tourists took nearly 176 million trips, an increase of over 25% compared to the previous year. By 2030, that number is expected to grow to 245 million, representing a market valued at $230 billion.


Morocco World
17-06-2025
- Morocco World
Morocco's ‘Moul Hanout': Government Urges Shopkeepers to Go Digital Amid Fierce Retail Competition
Rabat – Secretary of State to the Minister of Industry, Omar Hjira, has stressed the importance of urging small neighborhood shopkeepers to deploy digital options, including mobile and card transactions. 'Today, it is not allowed for merchants, including moul hanout, to tell a tourist that they don't accept or don't have an ATM system,' Hjira said on Monday in a parliament session. He backed his argument by citing online payments' contribution to Morocco's economy. 'In 2023, electronic payments in Morocco reached MAD 57 billion,' Hjira said, noting that the digitalization of payments could unlock an additional MAD 166 billion in transactions. The Moroccan official made his remarks while acknowledging the challenges that small shopkeepers face amid the expansion of giant retailers across Morocco. 'New solutions must be introduced to support moul hanout face this competition,' Hjira added, stressing that Morocco is hosting prestigious events that need vigilance and a good mobilization, including the 2030 World Cup. Hjira also emphasized the importance of small shops, not only because of their contribution to the local economy but also their fundamental part of Morocco's cultural identity. But he warned against the fierce competition that large retail chains are imposing on moul hanout. Moroccan MP Nadia Bzendfa echoed the official's remarks, stressing the vital role of Moroccan shopkeepers. She highlighted the support moul hanout continues to provide to vulnerable families, pointing out that these neighborhood shops often sell goods on credit and even lend cash to families in need. The MP also warned of the ongoing 'unfair' competition posed by retail chains, noting that these giants are now expanding into local neighborhoods, where shopkeepers were once the only source of goods and support for the community. In March, a new Mastercard-commissioned report said Africa's digital payments economy is projected to reach $1.5 trillion by 2030. Morocco has been witnessing a rapid trend in the use of digital payment options. Mastercard's Payment Index of 2022 shows that 75% of consumers in Morocco had used at least one emerging payment method in the year before, noting that 24% used a digital money transfer app, while 20% used a tappable smartphone mobile wallet. As little as 10% of consumers used a Buy Now Pay Later installment plan. Tags: bimMoroccan Economy


Morocco World
14-06-2025
- Morocco World
Morocco to Hold Hajj 2026 Lottery from June 23 to July 4
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