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Like many other segments, the global Muslim travel segment has been a booming industry in the past few years. Muslim spend on travel increased by 2.7% in 2019, from $189 billion in 2018 to $194 billion. With the impact of the COVID-19 crisis, Muslim spend on travel fell to $58 billion in 2020, but is expected to make a recovery to previous levels by 2023.
The Coronavirus outbreak has robbed us of many wonderful things in life, travel being on top of the list. Now, that the restrictions for the pandemic have been lightened, it is time to consider our travel plans once again.
Muslim-friendly travel destinations are places where the needs of the Muslims are fulfilled, and their religious sensibilities are respected. The places which are termed as Muslim-friendly are known for offering great products and services. The availability of halal food and amenities that Muslims use plays a key role in deciding the destination.
Many people think that the number of Muslim-friendly travel destinations is very less. But this is far from the truth. Muslim-friendly destinations are becoming increasingly popular nowadays with more places trying to expand their halal tourism in order to attract more Muslim travelers.
Here are a few of the best Muslim-friendly destinations that are definitely worth visiting.
The country that is home to the most important religious sites of Muslims, Saudi Arabia is the best among Muslim-friendly travel destinations around the world. It is where Muslims from all continents come together to perform the sacred pilgrimages of Hajj and Umrah. Saudi’s history is rooted deep in the first steps, progressions, struggles and battles of Islam and prominent religious figures. Makkah and Madinah are the holiest cities, but all cities in Saudi Arabia have a lot to offer to travelers and tourists with varied interests. Since it is a Muslim country, everything is as per the preferences of Muslim travelers, irrespective of which part of the world they are coming from.
The Tourism board of South Korea has been spending years to make the destination accessible to Muslim travelers. You can even find facilities for prayer in any destination of South Korea. The country is also known for providing a vast variety of halal food options to the people. Seoul, the capital of South Korea, holds a halal food festival every year which is popularly known as the ‘Halal restaurant Week’. Beef bulgogi, spicy chicken jjimdak, and bibimbap are some of the special foods offered by the various restaurants for Muslim travelers.
Maldives is primarily an Islamic country and therefore aligned with the specific requirements of Muslim travelers. Due to its proximity to the Middle East, it is now a popular holiday destination for Muslim couples and families. The jaw-dropping beauty and outstanding hospitality of this nation make it one of the most preferred tourist destinations around the world. There are plenty of luxurious resorts that offer all kinds of exotic food, entertainment options, grooming and rejuvenation services, and water activities like Scuba and snorkeling for their guests. Resorts also offer alcohol-free rooms, keeping in mind the Islamic religious sensibilities.
This place already has thousands of reasons to visit. The Summer Olympic Games are held in Tokyo after every four years and so the Japanese Tourism board makes certain arrangements for the comfort of the Muslim travelers. The arrangements include offering halal food and providing the facility for praying. You can also enjoy the authentic halal wagyu beef at the Sumiyakiya and the Halal Ramen at Shinjuku-gyoen is a must-eat for all the Muslim travelers there.
Uzbekistan has been a destination wanted for several years by great rulers that include Genghis Khan and Alexander of Macedon. The country comes with rich history and amazing stories from around the corners. For the last few years, the government of Uzbekistan has made the country completely transparent to tourists, especially Muslims, and made this place one of the top Muslim-friendly destinations. Their sunrise at Registan Square is a must-visit for the tourists to see.
In all these countries Muslims can experience warm hospitality by the locals and enjoy a great stay along with the natural beauty, architectural wonders, traditional experiences, and the great food available.
Even though 2020 was the year of staying at home and canceling your amazing travel plans, the years after that has been lighter in restrictions. And so, with the correct safety measures and guidelines such as frequent sanitization, wearing masks, and social distancing, you can have a safe yet exciting trip and enjoy vacations again.
