The latest Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI)
2023 Report – which ranks 138 destinations – has a new tool that offers insight
into Muslim Women Friendly Destinations for the first time.
According to CrescentRating’s CEO Fazal Bahardeen, only the top 10
destinations were ranked for 2023, but all 138 destinations will be scored in
the 2024 index.
Three other new tools in the eighth edition, launched last week, also
include the Muslim Travel Intent Tracker, Muslim Traveller Responsible Tourism
Framework and the GMTI Performance Matrix.
Fazal noted the 82-page report – the longest so far – offers deeper
insight and recommendations regarding this demographic of 110 million
international arrivals in 2022 and is forecast to reach 140 million this year.
“By 2028, Muslim arrivals are expected to hit 230 million, with
projected expenditure of US$225 billion,” he said, adding that GMTI will start
researching Gen Z travellers and the Muslim cruise market.
Fazal also announced the introduction of “live tracking” by the 1H2024.
Safdar Khan, division president, South-east Asia, Mastercard, said the
GMTI showed faith-based travellers had evolved in their needs.
Both organisations shared the same commitment in using the power of data
and insight to create more relevant solutions and unearth new economic
opportunities, he added.
Malaysia, which has dominated as the number one Organisation of Islamic
Cooperation (OIC) destination, shared the 2023 ranking with Indonesia,
followed by Saudi Arabia in the top three positions.
Among non-OIC destinations, Singapore was number one, followed by the UK
and Taiwan.
Malaysia was in top spot again in the Muslim Women Friendly Destination,
while Indonesia and Qatar were joint second among OIC countries. Singapore,
Taiwan and Japan were the top three for non-OIC countries.
The report found that global travel behaviour was impacting trends among
Muslim travellers, with the demographic increasingly incorporating
sustainability into their travel; opting for destinations and activities to
improve their health and wellness; finding opportunities for immersive
experiences and authenticity; and incorporating personal development into their
travel plans.
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