Global Muslim Travel Market Set to Reach 230 Million International Arrivals by 2028, With an Estimated Expenditure of USD 225 Billion

Written By: Tuhin Sarkar

Tuhin Sarkar

Tuhin Sarkar is a Senior Journalist at Travel and Tour World with more than 10 years of experience in travel and tourism journalism. A post-graduate in Journalism and Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, he combines strong research, industry knowledge and storytelling expertise to produce engaging, insightful and impactful travel news and fascinating feature stories.

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September 13, 2024 11:46 GMT+5:30

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The global Muslim travel market is poised for significant growth, with projections suggesting that it will reach 230 million international arrivals by 2028, according to the recently launched Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2024. Jointly published by Mastercard and CrescentRating, the GMTI 2024 provides in-depth insights into the booming Muslim-friendly travel sector, highlighting key trends, demographic shifts, and economic opportunities. With a projected expenditure of USD 225 billion, the Muslim travel market is rapidly expanding, presenting immense potential for destinations and service providers worldwide.

This year’s report emphasizes the increasing influence of younger, tech-savvy Muslim travelers, the growing role of Muslim women in the travel market, and the evolving expectations of the Muslim community when it comes to Halal-compliant services. The GMTI 2024 also introduces the innovative RIDA (Responsible, Immersive, Digital, and Assured) Framework, which quantifies and categorizes Muslim-friendly travel experiences, offering a comprehensive tool for destinations looking to tap into this lucrative market.

Key Drivers of the Muslim Travel Market Growth

The GMTI 2024 outlines several critical demand-side and supply-side drivers that are fueling the growth of the global Muslim travel market. These drivers are shaping the sector and are essential for destinations aiming to cater to Muslim travelers effectively.

Demand-Side Drivers

1. Population Growth and Demographics: One of the key factors driving the growth of the Muslim travel market is the demographics of the global Muslim population. The GMTI 2024 notes that over 70% of Muslims worldwide are under the age of 40. This young, dynamic, and tech-savvy population has high disposable incomes and is eager to explore new destinations, creating a substantial demand for Halal-compliant services. With many younger Muslim travelers highly engaged with digital technology, they are more likely to seek out travel options that cater to their faith-based needs.

2. GDP Growth in Muslim-Majority Countries: Economic growth in key Muslim-majority countries, such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, is creating a rising middle class with a growing appetite for international travel. The increase in GDP per capita in these regions is directly translating to more spending on travel and tourism, contributing to the expansion of the Muslim travel market. These travelers are not only seeking leisure travel but also cultural, religious, and business experiences abroad.