Muslim Travel Market Poised for Exponential Growth: 230 Million Arrivals Projected by 2028

The Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2024, launched by Mastercard and CrescentRating, reveals promising trends in the Muslim travel sector, predicting a surge in international arrivals and significant economic contributions. This comprehensive report sheds light on the evolving landscape of Muslimfriendly tourism, emphasizing the increasing participation of Muslim women travelers and the importance of inclusive travel experiences.

Key Insights from the GMTI 2024:

Projected Growth: The Muslim travel market is expected to experience remarkable growth, with projections indicating 230 million international arrivals by 2028. In 2023, nearly 145 million Muslim international arrivals were recorded, reaching approximately 90% of prepandemic levels. By the end of 2024, arrivals are anticipated to exceed prepandemic figures by 3% to 5%, totaling between 164 to 168 million.

Economic Impact: The expenditure from Muslim travelers is projected to reach USD 225 billion by 2028, highlighting the substantial economic potential of this demographic. This growth is driven by various demandside and supplyside factors that cater specifically to Muslim travelers’ needs.

Emerging Destinations: Countries such as the Philippines, Hong Kong, South Africa, and Spain are gaining traction among Muslim travelers due to their enhanced focus on providing Halalfriendly amenities and services.

Accessibility Initiatives: The GMTI introduces the Accessible Travel Framework (ATF), emphasizing that destinations prioritizing inclusivity will attract a larger share of the growing Muslim travel market. Notable examples include Australia, which has implemented inclusive tourism legislation, and Dubai, which has invested heavily in accessibility services across its attractions and transportation systems.

Technological Advancements: The report highlights how technological innovations are transforming the Muslim travel experience. Digital tools are making travel planning more seamless and integrated, allowing for better access to information about Halal services and amenities.

Demographic Trends: The GMTI forecasts that the global Muslim population will grow from 2.12 billion in 2024 to 2.47 billion by 2034, accounting for half of the total global population increase during this period.

Asia remains a primary destination for Muslim travelers, attracting over 65% due to its rich Islamic heritage and supportive infrastructure. Europe follows with a share of 22%, while Africa accounts for 10%, presenting opportunities for growth particularly in regions with deep Islamic roots.

Conclusion
The findings from the GMTI 2024 underscore the significant potential within the Muslim travel market. As destinations adapt to meet the needs of this diverse group—emphasizing cleanliness, accessibility, and cultural sensitivity—they can better position themselves to capture a share of this expanding demographic.

With an anticipated rise in international arrivals and spending, stakeholders in the tourism industry must remain proactive in developing strategies that cater specifically to Muslim travelers’ preferences.