Latest news with #halaltravel
Skift
04-07-2025
- Business
- Skift
What Destinations Get Wrong (and Right) About the Muslim Travel Market
Destinations investing early and comprehensively in halal-friendly travel are likely to gain long-term competitive advantage as this sector continues to grow. The global Muslim travel market is expected to reach $235 billion by 2030, up from $189 billion in 2024, according to the 2025 Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI), released last month. The Muslim, or halal, travel sector caters to the specific needs of Muslim travelers, including halal-certified food, access to prayer spaces, and accommodations that align with Islamic values. The Muslim travel index, a widely cited benchmark, tracks this segment and ranks 145 destinations worldwide using a four-point framework: Access, Communication, Environment, and Services. The report attributes the sector's projected growth to three key trends: a rising global Muslim population, from 2.12 billion in 2024 to a projected 2.47 billion by 2034, increasing disposable income, and better access to travel infrastructure. In 2024, international arrivals of Muslim travelers were 10% higher than pre-pandemic levels. Malaysia and Singapore On Top Southeast Asia continues to outperform other regions in attracting Muslim travelers. Malaysia once again ranked first among Muslim-majority destinations. Singapore leads all non-Muslim-majority countries, thanks to its extensive halal food offerings, inclusive tourism services, and traveler-friendly airport infrastructure. 'Thailand has been targeting the halal travel market for a long time, primarily to attract tourists from Malaysia and Indonesia,' said Fazal Bahardeen, CEO of CrescentRating. He noted that the Philippines is becoming a serious contender, 'They're (The Philippines) the first non-Muslim destination to offer a halal-friendly beach in Boracay for Muslim families.' The Philippines Department of Tourism created a halal travel portfolio, expanded halal food certifications, and launched awareness training for tourism operators. Speaking at the Skift Asia Forum, Christina Garcia Frasco, tourism secretary of the Philippines, discussed how there has been a very serious push towards expanding the Philippines' Muslim-friendly tourism portfolio. Other Asian destinations including Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and Cambodia are also investing in halal-friendly offerings. Hong Kong and Taiwan ranked third and fourth, respectively, among non-Muslim-majority destinations in the travel index. What Muslim Travelers Actually Want 'Many people have a misconception that halal travel is limited to the Middle East,' said Azwan Ariffin of Tripfez, a Malaysia-based online travel agency focused on Muslim-friendly travel. 'In reality, any destination can attract halal travelers by offering food and facilities which meet their religious requirements.' Bahardeen said that Muslim travelers want many of the same things other travelers do, such as seamless digital services, cashless transactions, and streamlined immigration, but with an added layer of faith-based considerations. 'The Muslim market is not a behemoth,' he said. 'It's segmented into three categories, depending on how strictly Muslim travelers observe their faith: 20% are 'strictly practicing,' 60% are 'practicing,' and 20% are 'less practicing.'' Destinations must understand that each of these groups has different expectations. 'Strictly practicing Muslims may require dedicated prayer facilities and halal-only dining and accommodation options,' Bahardeen said. 'Less practicing Muslims may need halal food available but can be more flexible on other options.' Muslim-majority countries are often well positioned to cater to all levels of practice. Others may be limited by cultural norms, infrastructure, or funding. 'For Muslims, there are some overall essential requirements for a destination, or 'need to have,'' Bahardeen said. 'For example, halal food, access to prayer spaces, water-friendly toilets, and no Islamophobia. Then there are qualities that are 'good to have,' such as fasting-friendly hotels and Muslim-friendly experiences.' The final tier, described as 'nice to have,' includes destinations with no non-halal food or alcohol and separate activities for men and women. Accessibility Still Overlooked Many Muslim travelers travel with extended family, including elderly or disabled relatives. According to United Nations Tourism, nearly 50% of people over age 60 have a disability, yet most global destinations are still not designed with their needs in mind. Muslim travelers in particular need hotels, prayer areas, and transportation options that accommodate wheelchairs and limited mobility. 'Accessibility is a neglected area that we are trying to push,' Bahardeen said. The travel index added accessibility as a standalone category in 2023, highlighting a major gap in tourism readiness. Gen Z and Millennials Reshaping the Market Younger Muslim travelers are driving much of the sector's growth. Millennials and Gen Z Muslims tend to be more mobile-first, experience-oriented, and digitally fluent. 'Younger Muslim travelers are more flexible, less strict than older generations,' said Ariffin. 'For example, requiring that a hotel be clean, but not necessarily halal.' They are also a powerful marketing force. 'Younger Muslims are willing to be more adventurous and independent and can have a big positive impact on travel markets through their social media,' he said. These travelers also help destinations smooth out seasonal peaks. Many plan trips around Islamic holidays, such as Ramadan and Eid, which fall at different times each year and can boost tourism during otherwise slower periods. 'Leveraging the Muslim travel market also gives a destination more economic stability in case other tourist sectors fall off,' Bahardeen said. CrescentRating CEO Fazal Bahardeen at the Skift Asia Forum
Arab News
22-06-2025
- Business
- Arab News
New report reveals trends shaping future of halal travel
As awareness of Muslim travelers' needs grows, halal travel is increasingly shaping how destinations design and deliver experiences. According to the newly released 2025 Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index, international Muslim arrivals reached 176 million in 2024 — up 25 percent from 2023 — and are projected to grow to 245 million by 2030. By then, total travel spending is expected to reach $230 billion, highlighting the growing influence and economic potential of this vibrant market. To stay competitive, travel and tourism stakeholders must adapt to the evolving needs of Muslim travelers, prioritizing purpose, inclusivity, and digital innovation. Key consumer trends impacting halal travel • Smart apps: Muslim travelers are embracing digital tools that offer seamless access to faith-aligned services and personalized experiences. • The modern female Muslim traveler: Women are shaping the halal travel sector in powerful ways, driving demand for safer, inclusive, and thoughtfully designed spaces. • Muslim-friendly facilities: Destinations that offer alcohol-free environments, halal-certified dining, prayer facilities, and gender-segregated pools and spas are becoming essential. • Solo travel surge: Younger Muslim travelers are embracing solo adventures, favoring autonomy and personalized itineraries. • Digital detox retreats: Inspired by Islamic values of mindfulness and balance, many travelers are seeking tech-free escapes rooted in nature and spirituality. Among OIC destinations, Malaysia retains the top spot, recognized for its accessible halal-friendly services and infrastructure. Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE share the second spot, each offering a strong combination of cultural heritage, modern amenities, and dedicated efforts to enhance the Muslim travel experience. Indonesia also ranks highly, supported by its rich cultural appeal. Other notable destinations in the Gulf region include Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait, all of which continue to strengthen their offerings for Muslim travelers. Among non-OIC destinations, Singapore remains the leader — recognized for its emphasis on inclusivity and cultural sensitivity. Thailand and the Philippines are steadily emerging as rising Muslim-friendly destinations in Southeast Asia. Thailand offers warm hospitality and a growing range of halal-certified services, while the Philippines is enhancing its capacity to serve Muslim travelers through better halal food access and Muslim-friendly features at key tourist sites.
Khaleej Times
21-06-2025
- Khaleej Times
UAE residents opt for popular summer destinations that cater to Muslim families
This summer, families are planning vacations in destinations that not only offer scenic beauty and leisure but also cater to their religious and cultural needs. Specially for Muslim families, trips must offer a balance of cultural familiarity, family-friendly experiences, and religious considerations such as halal food, prayer spaces, and respectful environments. According to travel experts and hospitality providers, demand is steadily rising for regions that offer halal-certified services, privacy options, and Islamic-friendly experiences — from Europe to Asia and island getaways. Rikant Pittie, CEO & Co-founder, told Khaleej Times: 'We've observed that families are increasingly gravitating towards destinations that blend a mix of cultural familiarity with family-friendly amenities. 'In Europe, places like Zakopane in Poland have gained popularity. Nestled in the Tatra Mountains, Zakopane offers a cool climate, affordability, and a growing halal-friendly infrastructure, including halal dining options and Arabic signage, making it particularly appealing to UAE's clientele. 'Similarly, the Algarve region in Portugal stands out for its sunny beaches and family-oriented resorts. Accommodations here often provide kids' clubs, halal dining, and women's wellness facilities, catering well to Muslim families. 'Beyond Europe, destinations like the Maldives, Malaysia, and Turkey continue to be favoured. These locations offer a combination of Islamic heritage, halal-certified services, and family-friendly attractions, aligning well with the preferences of Muslim travellers from the UAE.' Where they are going Mohamed Ahmed Ismail, an Egyptian doctor living in Dubai for the past 13 years, is planning a summer holiday to Switzerland with his wife and two children. Their stay will last a minimum of 10 days, with an expected budget of Dh25,000 to Dh30,000. "When travelling, in addition to considering safety, we tend to choose destinations and hotels that offer a family-friendly environment and take into account our cultural and religious needs as a Muslim family — such as prayer times, non-alcoholic beverages, halal food, and cultural sensitivity during tours and vacations," he told Khaleej Times. Ahmed and Kholoud Shamasneh, a Jordanian couple born and raised in the UAE and currently residing in Dubai, are set to travel to Malta this summer with their young child. Their vacation is confirmed and currently in the planning phase, with a stay of between one week and ten days and a budget of around Dh36,000. 'We're a small family, so we usually look for quiet, peaceful destinations with hotels that offer family-friendly facilities — such as kids' play areas, spacious rooms, and easy access to nature or relaxing settings. We are not really city people and therefore, prefer more serene and laid-back environments. 'We are also looking to see historical places that have a wide mix culture to communicate with locals. Having religious considerations is also an important aspect when planning a trip, because it gives the feel of convenience and ease, without having to worry about any relevant needs or requirements during travel.' How are international destinations responding? Khaleej Times reached out to a couple of industry experts to learn how they accommodate UAE-based Muslim families. Mauritius Ramesh Jeenarain, director of sales & marketing, Sunlife Resorts in Mauritius, said, 'We have beachfront resorts that go the extra mile to cater to Muslim travellers, many of whom typically stay between 3 to 5 nights and seek a culturally considerate experience for the whole family. From prayer mats and Qibla direction to halal-friendly dining options and the availability of shisha lounges, every detail is thoughtfully curated to ensure comfort. 'Resorts provide guests with prayer mats and Qibla direction markers in their rooms. Our team is always available to provide daily prayer times.. Guests have access to mosques within a 5 to 20-minute drive. Rooms include Muslim showers (bidet sprays) and we offer private spa treatments for female guests with female therapists, in-room dining, and exclusive-use spaces for family gatherings.' Switzerland Tamara Löffel-Jäger, head of business development at VisitGraubunden, shared: 'Muslim travellers from UAE often prioritise family-sized suites, halal dining options, and culturally respectful service. Most upscale properties provide prayer mats, Qibla direction, and daily prayer times in-room and private prayer spaces can be arranged upon request. " "Amenities include private wellness areas, women-only spa times, female therapists, Muslim showers on request, halal menus, alcohol-free minibars, and family-oriented layouts with ample privacy," she added. Malta Kyle Pace Cumbo, group director of sales & marketing at Iniala Harbour House, noted: 'Guests typically book suites or private residences for secluded family time. Their average stay is 6 nights, and they spend generously on exclusive experiences, private dining, and wellness. 'Our concierge team assists with prayer times and directions to the closest mosque. Prayer mats and Qibla markers are available in-room. We offer halal-certified private dining options and can accommodate dietary requirements at our Michelin-starred restaurant.'
Trade Arabia
18-05-2025
- Trade Arabia
MTPA invites families from Saudi Arabia to explore Mauritius
The Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) is inviting families from Saudi Arabia to explore Mauritius, a tropical paradise that combines adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences. Located in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including dolphin-watching cruises, underwater snorkeling, glass-bottom boat rides, and hiking through the Black River Gorges National Park. Children can enjoy wildlife encounters at La Vanille Nature Park and Casela Nature Parks, while parents can relax at world-class resorts with kids' clubs, family suites, and wellness centers. Mauritius is the ultimate destination for family vacations. 'Mauritius is a destination where families can reconnect and explore together,' said the MTPA spokesperson. 'We see increasing interest from the Saudi market, especially among families seeking a blend of luxury, adventure, and halal-friendly services. We look forward to welcoming more Saudi families to experience our warm hospitality and the diverse activities Mauritius has to offer.' -TradeArabia News Service
