Internationally tourism activity had become substantial growth for muslim traveler across the globe. Countries in Southeast Asia region are heterogenic country with rich diversity of religion and culture. Majority population in Southeast Asia is Muslim thus affect policy making within the region and set out on raising its halal tourism on the next level among other regions.
Halal tourism can be defined as a demand of muslim traveler as their convenient needs of religion during their traveling activity. Halal tourism widely recognized on halal inflight catering, halal entertainment, halal hospitality, halal food services, halal medical services, and many more.
Southeast Asia has once again emerged as the world’s leading Muslim tourist destination in the latest edition of Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI). As part of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Indonesia and Malaysia had tied for the top scorers among other destinations in the 2024.
While Singapore has gained the top scorer among non Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). How could these Southeast Asia countries gained the top tier as halal tourism countries, check this article out to know more!
The Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) Rank 2024
The Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) is an annual report benchmarking destinations in the Muslim travel market that collaborating between Mastercard and CrescentRating. The Mastercard-Crescentrating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2024 provides vital insights and rapidly growing Muslim travel market with evolving landscape of Muslim-friendly travel worldwide. Over the years, the Global Muslim Travel Index has been inclusive in its approach on reporting year over year.
CrescentRating first introduced the Halal Friendly Travel Ranking since 2011 on its report that consisted the inaugural ranking of the top 10 halal-friendly holiday destinations and the top 2 halal-friendly shopping destinations.Those yearly report over years, and now in 2024 GMTI introduces the innovative RIDA framework, emphasizing responsible, immersive, digital, and assured travel. The number of destinations that has been covered in this 2024 edition had increased to 145, further broadening the scope of the report.
Indonesia and Malaysia are the top two OIC destinations for muslim arrivals
According to GMTI 2024 report, both Indonesia and Malaysia had retain their joint top position with a score of 76, each showing an improvement of 3 points from 2023. The second place position is hold by Saudi Arabia which remains strong contender with a score of 74, having 2 points different compared to Indonesia and Malaysia.
Indonesia has shown its halal tourism growth, that we can see on GMTI 2024 results, at GMTI ranking trends (2015-2024). Indonesia was placed on 5th place on 2015 and on this year of 2024 Indonesia have prominently featured in the top tiers side by side with Malaysia. Indonesia as the destination with the highest Muslim population, consistently shines in the GMTI with its commitment to Muslim-friendly tourism with comprehensive facilities and services.
These 2 countries of Southeast Asia, Indonesia and Malaysia were consistent on focusing on enhancing Muslim-friendly travel facilities, including availability of Halal food, extensive prayer facilities, and dedicated tourism service, that brought them to maintained their leadership in the Global Muslim Travel Index. These 2 countries known for its relaxed visa policies and easy access for numerous international visitors, having holistic approach to hospitality ensures comfortable experience for Muslim travelers.
Singapore ranked first in terms of non OIC destinations for muslim arrivals
The Southeast Asia country of non OIC destinations, we have Singapore as the top scorer in GMTI 2024. Singapore stands out as the only non-OIC destination that has consistently remained in the top 10 of the GMTI since its inception. Singapore still becoming the leader and also impoving its score from 62 to 66 in GMTI 2024 report.
This non OIC destination country from Southeast Asia has remarkable achievement resilience and its comprehensive approach catering Muslim travellers. This country become the the first place ahead of the United Kingdom that place on 2nd that have the score of 58, and another Southeast Asia country that is Thailand that placed on 5th based on GMTI 2024 report.
Singapore is celebrated for its diverse culinary scene, offering an extensive range of Halal-certified cuisines that cater to its multicultural population and international visitors. Country that has combination of advanced technology, strong, sustainable tourism initiatives, diverse halal dining options, and unparalleled safety makes it a top destination in the GMTI.
Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore are countries from Southeast Asia region that become leading Halal Tourism country ahead from another countries in the world. These 3 countries had become leader Muslim-friendly Destinations by how they have enhancing Muslim-friendly travel facilities.
Their forward thinking approach to embracing technology and sustainability along with their commitment to catering the needs of Muslim travelers ensure them to continue to be the preferred choice for those seeking a modern, secure, Muslim-friendly travel experience.
