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The Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2023 has ranked Indonesia and Malaysia as the top two destinations globally for Muslim travellers. The annual report, which analyzes data across 140 countries, reveals that Muslim international arrivals reached 110 million in 2022, set to increase to 140 million this year and 230 million by 2028, with a projected expenditure of USD225 billion.
Asia leads the way for arrivals, with over 31% of all travelers identifying as Muslim. Indonesia and Malaysia ranked equally in the index, with Indonesia having previously topped the ranking in the 2019 report. Malaysia has consistently been at the forefront of the GMTI since 2015, and Singapore ranked 12th, making it only one of two countries (along with the United Kingdom) outside of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to rank in the top 20.
The Global Travel Index (GTIM) has revealed that Southeast Asian destinations are among the top 10 for accessibility, communications, environment, and services (ACES) criteria. The index also revealed that Muslim travelers are increasingly seeking experiences that align with faith-oriented criteria, such as availability of Halal foods, prayer rooms, and encouraging communication. This trend is expected to help destinations gain a closer relationship with this demographic. The GTIM also highlights the importance of understanding and inclusivity in the Muslim travel sector, with Mastercard partnering with CrescentRating to create more relevant solutions and economic opportunities.
