Brunei Darussalam
The Land of Unexpected Treasures
In the latest Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2023, Indonesia and Malaysia have once again asserted their positions as the world's top destinations for Muslim travelers. This report, now in its eighth year, provides invaluable insights into destinations that excel in catering to the Halal travel segment, a rapidly growing market globally.
With nearly 140 countries evaluated, the index underscores the significance of the Muslim travel market, projecting a substantial increase in Muslim international arrivals. In the current year, these arrivals are estimated at 140 million and are expected to surge to 230 million by 2028, with an expenditure forecasted to reach USD 225 billion.
Asia emerges as a leader in Muslim arrivals, with Indonesia and Malaysia consistently ranking at the forefront. Singapore also maintains a strong presence, securing the 12th position globally. Southeast Asian destinations showcase excellence across key criteria, with Indonesia and Malaysia scoring 73, Singapore 64, Thailand 52, and the Philippines 46.
The report sheds light on the evolving preferences of Muslim travelers, emphasizing the importance of sustainability, health and wellness, immersive experiences, and personal development in travel experiences.
Furthermore, the GMTI introduces innovative tools and frameworks to better understand and cater to this demographic, such as the Muslim Travel Intent Tracker, Muslim Traveler Responsible Tourism Framework, GMTI Performance Matrix, and Muslim Women Friendly Destinations. Through collaboration between CrescentRating and Mastercard, data insights are leveraged to enhance offerings for faith-based travelers and foster growth in the Muslim travel sector.
This recognition solidifies Indonesia and Malaysia's status as premier destinations for Muslim travelers and underscores the importance of continually evolving to meet the diverse needs of this dynamic market segment.
