halal tourism report

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Halal Tourism Market

An Analysis of the Halal Tourism Market by International and Domestic Tour Types from 2024 to 2034

Offering Muslim Tourists Feasible Halal Friendly Lodging and Food Options is Pushing Tourists towards Halal Tourism

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Halal Tourism Market Snapshot from 2024 to 2034

The halal tourism market had an estimated market share worth US$ 266.3 billion in 2023, and it is predicted to reach a global market valuation of US$ 417.6 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 3.6% from 2024 to 2034.

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Demand Analysis of Halal Tourism

Companies can advance in the halal tourism market by using these tactics:

• Using digital platforms for easy booking, tailored recommendations, and virtual tours to improve halal travel experiences.
• Allocating cash and enacting policies to build halal-friendly infrastructure and boost tourism.
• Encouraging collaborative initiatives and events that promote mutual understanding and appreciation across various populations.
• Finding and advertising new halal-friendly destinations to meet changing tourist needs and increase market share.

Halal Tourism Market Historical Analysis 2018 to 2023 vs. Forecast Outlook 2024 to 2034

The global demand for the halal tourism market was estimated to reach a valuation of US$ 229.4 billion in 2018, according to a report from Future Market Insights. From 2018 to 2023, the halal tourism market witnessed significant growth, registering a CAGR of 3.8%.

The use of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technology is a recent development in the halal tourism market. Muslim visitors may make decisions before making reservations by taking use of these immersive experiences, which include previews of locations, lodging options, and activities. The market for halal tourism is expected to grow in the future due to these factors:

• Muslim tourists are becoming more and more interested in halal-friendly activities.
• Offering options for luxurious halal travel experiences.
• Better digital platforms and transportation that make it simpler to access halal facilities.
• The desire for halal tourist experiences is being driven by a growing understanding and appreciation of varied cultural preferences.

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Key Factors Driving the Halal Tourism Market

Sustainable Growth is bolstered by the Rising Eco Conscious and Halal Friendly Tourists

One distinct driver of the halal tourism sector is the increased demand for sustainable and ethical travel experiences among environmentally conscious Muslim travelers. These people look for locations and offerings that complement their moral principles, such as eco-friendly activities and lodging with halal certification.

The convergence of ecotourism and halal creates a niche market that spurs innovation in sustainable hospitality and promotes vacation locations that balance environmental stewardship with Islamic values in order to meet the changing needs of Muslim tourists throughout the globe.

Factors that can impede the Market Growth

Growth in Halal Tourism is hampered by Global Uniformity, Cultural Sensitivity, and Competition

The halal tourism sector encounters challenges such as providing similar halal certification standards across the world, since differences in criteria and execution can cause misunderstanding among tourists and companies.

Certain holiday destinations may provide difficulties due to political unrest and cultural sensitivities, which might affect the availability of halal amenities and the quality of the entire trip. The potential of the business cannot be completely realized due to competition from non-halal tourist industries and the need for more knowledge and education regarding halal travel possibilities.

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Comparative View of Adjacent Markets

In this section, analysis will be drawn among three relevant markets. These are the halal tourism market, ecotourism market and medical tourism market.

Growing demand for ethical and sustainable travel experiences, rising disposable incomes among tourists, and technological advancements making information and reservation services more easily accessible are common drivers of these markets. Their overall growth and development is also aided by industry and government measures to support these industries.

Halal Tourism Market:

Ecotourism Market:

Medical Tourism Market:

Category wise Insights

This section focuses on providing detailed analysis of two particular market segments for halal tourism, the dominant tour type and the significant age group. The two main segments discussed below are the international tour and 36 to 45 age group people.

International Tours Commanding a Substantial Revenue Share

In 2024, the international tour segment is likely to gain a market share of 60%. Muslim tourists look for halal-certified accommodations and a variety of cultural activities, which are frequently easier to get overseas. Traveling abroad offers the chance to learn about and explore Islamic communities and historical locations all around the world.

Muslim travelers may have a wider variety of halal-friendly experiences and gain a deeper knowledge of other cultures by traveling to other countries and experiencing other foods, traditions, and lifestyles.

Halal Tourism is mostly preferred by People of Age Group 36 to 45 Years

In 2024, the 36 to 45 years old segment is anticipated to acquire 45% market share. There are several reasons why people in the 36 to 45 age range frequently choose halal tourism. Traveling with their family may be their first priority, and they may look for locations that have halal-certified lodging and family-friendly food alternatives.

This group of people may prioritize authenticity and cultural immersion, enjoying travel sites that honor and accommodate Islamic values. People in this age group could have more stable jobs and discretionary cash, which enables them to afford halal travel experiences.

Region wise Analysis

This section will go into detail on the halal tourism markets in a few key countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, China, Japan and France. This part will focus on the key factors that are driving up demand in these countries for halal tourism.

Inclusion of Halal Options into Mainstream American Cuisine in the United States to Accelerate Demand

The United States halal tourism ecosystem is anticipated to gain a CAGR of 4.4% through 2034. Factors that are bolstering the growth are:

• The inclusion of halal choices into mainstream American cuisine in the United States offers Muslim tourists a variety of gastronomic experiences.
• Travelers with halal demands are catered to by specialized travel services, which makes travel easier.

Luxurious Halal Experiences to Accelerate Demand in the United Kingdom

The halal tourism market in the United Kingdom is expected to expand with a 4.1% CAGR through 2034. The factors pushing the growth are:

• The fusion of ancient Islamic heritage sites with contemporary facilities in places like Morocco and Turkey, which provide Muslim tourists with a combination of modern comfort and cultural authenticity, is a major driving force.
• The rise of luxurious halal tourism experiences is indicative of the increasing need for high-end services catered to the tastes of affluent Muslim travelers.

Rich Islamic Legacy of China to Widen Growth of Halal Tourism

The halal tourism ecosystem in China is anticipated to develop with a 5.5% CAGR from 2024 to 2034. The drivers behind this growth are:

• The country's rich Islamic legacy is a driving force behind halal tourism business, with ancient landmarks like the Great Mosque of Xi'an drawing Muslim travelers looking for cultural experiences.
• With improvements in infrastructure and hospitality making the nation more appealing to Muslim tourists, China's rise to prominence as a global economic powerhouse presents prospects for the growth of halal tourism.

Blend of Tradition and Innovation in Japan to encourage Tourist Patronage

The halal tourism industry in Japan is anticipated to reach a 5.3% CAGR from 2024 to 2034. The drivers propelling growth forward are:

• Muslim tourists may enjoy an exciting combination of experiences in Japan owing to its unique blend of traditional culture and modern comforts, from touring old temples to taking in innovative attractions.
• Japan's dedication to innovation is evident in its halal tourism initiatives, which include digital platforms tailored to the unique requirements of Muslim tourists and robot-assisted hotel services.

Gourmet Halal Food Options to Enhance Market Growth in France

The halal tourism ecosystem in France is likely to evolve with a 3.9% CAGR during the forecast period. The factors bolstering the growth are:

• France's halal tourism industry is driven in part by its recognized reputation for haute cuisine.
• The country's halal tourism industry has grown as a result of the exceptional gastronomy that has sparked the emergence of premium halal dining establishments.
• This caters to Muslim tourists looking for fine-dining establishments.

Market Competition

Leading companies in the global halal tourism market are meeting the increasing need for travel experiences that are accommodating to Muslims. They provide prayer facilities, halal-certified lodging, halal dining alternatives, and services that are sensitive to cultural differences. These businesses provide cultural authenticity and inclusion first priority while offering specialized services that follow Islamic law.

To improve accessibility and convenience, they also use digital platforms and marketing techniques to connect with Muslim tourists throughout the globe. They hope to get a sizable portion of this expanding market while advancing diversity and cross-cultural engagement in the travel and tourism sector through innovation and smart alliances. The key players in this market include:

• Halaltours.org
• Carisa Travel Group
• Rooh Travel Limited
• HalalBooking Ltd.
• Halal Safaris
• Halal Trip India
• Hello Travel
• Islamic Travel
• Tripfez Travel

Significant advancements in the halal tourism market are being made by key market participants, and their offerings include:

• Carisa Travel provides transfer services that enable you to travel around Scandinavia as you like. They provide the newest models of all vehicle types, sedan cars, minivans, and buses, with trained drivers to guarantee the comfort of the passengers.
• Their buses are furnished with free Wi-Fi and range in number from 16 to 66 seats. They provide well planned itineraries that guarantee halal-friendly lodging, places to worship, and delectable halal food, enabling customers to travel comfortably while keeping their Islamic principles.

Key Coverage in Halal Tourism Market Report

• Halal Tourism Market By Share, Size and Growth 2030
• Halal Tourism Market Rising Trends and Research Outlook
• Halal Tourism Turkey
• Halal Tourism Websites
• Trend, Opportunities, Challenges and Impact of Halal Tourism

Report Scope

Key segments profiled in the halal tourism market, by tour type:.

• International

By Consumer Orientation:

By tourist type:.

• Independent Traveler
• Package Traveler

By Age Group:

• 26 to 35 Years
• 36 to 45 Years
• 46 to 55 Years
• North America
• Latin America
• Western Europe
• Eastern Europe
• South Asia and Pacific
• The Middle East & Africa

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the anticipated growth rate of the halal tourism market from 2024 to 2034.

The halal tourism market is expected to garner a 4.2% CAGR from 2024 to 2034.

What will be the global market outlook for halal tourism through 2024?

By 2024, the global halal tourism market is likely to gain US$ 276.7 billion.

What is the expected global market valuation for halal tourism by 2034?

By 2034, the halal tourism market valuation is likely to reach a sum of US$ 417.6 billion.

How will the demand for halal tourism develop in the United States?

The halal tourism industry in the United States is likely to garner a 4.4% CAGR during the forecast period.

Which tour type is anticipated to be highly preferred for halal tourism?

International tours are anticipated to be highly preferred and hence gain a 60% market share in 2024.

Which age group will be more attracted towards halal tourism?

Tourists aged 36 to 45 years are more attracted to halal tourism, constituting 45% of the total clientele in 2024.

Table of Content

List of tables, list of charts.

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The Rise of Halal Tourism

Muslims now make up one of the fastest-growing segments of the global travel industry. In response, hotels and tour operators are increasingly trying to meet their dietary and religious needs.

By Debra Kamin

For one of the fastest-growing sectors of the global travel industry, there is no pork on the hotel dinner menus. There are flights with no alcohol on the drink carts, resorts with separate swimming pools for men and women, and daily itineraries with built-in break times for the five daily calls to prayer.

Since 2016, the number of Muslim travelers has grown nearly 30 percent, and a recent joint study by Mastercard and Crescent Rating , a research group that tracks halal-friendly travel, projects that over the next decade that sector’s contribution to the global economy will jump to $300 billion from $180 billion. With a population that is disproportionately young, educated and upwardly mobile, they are one of the fastest-growing demographics on the global tourism scene.

But this wasn’t always the case.

In 2015 , Soumaya Hamdi went roadtripping through Asia with her husband and her then 4-month-old baby. The trio visited Singapore and Malaysia, and then caught a flight to South Korea and on to Japan. The trip was thrilling, but Ms. Hamdi and her husband, who are both observant Muslims, found the daily search for halal-certified food a difficult one.

Ms. Hamdi, who is based in London, began blogging about the best Muslim-friendly restaurants she found, as well as prayer facilities and sites that were particularly welcoming for a family with a young baby. Those musings turned into Halal Travel Guide , an online platform offering tips, recommendations and curated itineraries for Muslim travelers.

Her timing was right.

“In Europe the Muslim community is now in its third or fourth generation. They are educated and have good paying jobs,” said Ufuk Secgin, chief marketing officer for Halal Booking , a Muslim-focused vacation search engine. “For the first generation, their idea of a holiday was visiting the family in the home country. This has changed.”

At ITB Asia this October, a leading travel show held in Singapore, organizers partnered with two halal travel authorities, Crescent Rating and Halal Trip , to offer specialized panel discussions and showcases targeting the estimated 156 million Muslims who will book travel between now and 2020.

At the heart of much of the discussion was matters of the belly. For Muslim travelers, “the number one factor is good quality halal food,” Ms. Hamdi said in an email exchange. “I’m not talking about curry or biryani — I’m talking about authentic local food that is halal. After that, it’s usually prayer facilities.”

Tourists’ global demand for halal food has grown so much, in fact, that Have Halal Will Travel , a Singapore-based online community for Muslim travelers, has also partnered with ITB Asia with a three-hour conference and special booth space focusing on foodie-centric outreach to the Muslim tourism sector.

Like Halal Travel Guide , Have Halal Will Travel was founded in 2015. Today, their content reaches 9.1 million users each month, according to their founder, Mikhael Goh. Mr. Goh dreamed up the site with three friends while studying abroad in Seoul; he found himself frustrated on a daily basis with a lack of information about where to find quality halal food.

“We were thinking, why is it in 2015, when there is Yelp and TripAdvisor and so many popular apps and services to tell you where to eat and where to travel, why on earth is there so little information for Muslims?” Mr. Goh said in a phone interview. “Not just about food — yes, halal food is the basis of a lot of things, but also about safety and prayer. There was a general lack of information out there and the information that did exist was so fragmented.”

Only a handful of years later, that gap in the market is now teeming with niche sites, many of them written specifically for young Muslim women. At Passport and Plates , the Los Angeles-based blogger Sally Elbassir chronicles her global foodie adventures where pork and alcohol are always off the menu; at Arabian Wanderess , Esra Alhamal writes about traveling as a female, Muslim millennial on a budget; and at the popular Muslim Travel Girl , run by the Bulgaria-born, Britain-based Elena Nikolova, readers can learn about Muslim-friendly honeymoon resorts with private pools and get tips for a D.I.Y. Umrah (Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca).

Many of the bloggers interviewed for this article echoed the same sentiment: Their goal is not just to make it easier for Muslim travelers to find food, prayer spaces and alcohol-free activities that appeal to them. It’s also to support those travelers to branch out of their comfort zones and feel empowered exploring the world.

“We specialize in pushing people to non-Muslim majority countries,” said Mr. Goh. “The most popular destinations we work on are Japan and Korea. Our audience is young — 25 to 30 years old — and very influenced by K-pop and Instagram, so we write a lot about how welcoming those places are.”

Ms. Hamdi of Halal Travel Guide agreed. “We encourage Muslims to seek culturally immersive travel experiences outside of the traditional Muslim-friendly destinations such as Dubai and Morocco,” she said. “Muslims are looking for added value to their trips — from private beaches where women can bathe without men to disturb them, and more than this, trips that offer the Muslim traveler the chance to experience something completely different.”

Follow NY Times Travel on Twitter , Instagram and Facebook . Get weekly updates from our Travel Dispatch newsletter, with tips on traveling smarter, destination coverage and photos from all over the world.

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The Rise of Halal Tourism: What You Need to Know

Experience a groundbreaking shift in the travel industry with the unstoppable rise of Halal Tourism. In recent years, halal tourism has emerged as a significant trend in the global tourism industry. It refers to a form of travel that caters to Muslim travelers’ specific needs and requirements, such as access to Halal food, prayer facilities, and gender-segregated accommodations.

The demand for Halal tourism has been steadily growing in recent years, driven by the rise of the Muslim middle class and increasing global awareness of Halal tourism products and services. According to the 2018 State of the Global Islamic Economy Report, the Muslim travel market is projected to be worth over $220 billion by 2020, indicating the vast potential for Halal tourism.

For Muslim travelers, Halal tourism allows them to explore the world without compromising their faith and values. It allows them to experience different cultures, traditions, and cuisines while adhering to Islamic principles. Halal tourism also offers Muslim travelers comfort and familiarity when traveling to destinations that may not have a significant Muslim population or are unfamiliar with Islamic practices.

As the global Muslim population continues to grow, and more Muslim travelers are seeking Halal-friendly destinations, the tourism industry needs to understand the significance of Halal tourism and its potential impact on the industry. The tourism industry must adapt to cater to Muslim travelers’ unique needs and preferences to tap into the growing market and unlock new opportunities.

Halal tourism is a type of tourism that caters to the specific needs and requirements of Muslim travelers. It involves offering facilities and services that align with Islamic beliefs and practices, such as access to Halal food, prayer facilities, and gender-segregated accommodations.

One of the defining characteristics of Halal tourism is the emphasis on providing a comfortable and familiar environment for Muslim travelers. This may include offering Halal food options, ensuring access to prayer facilities, and providing information about local customs and practices. Halal tourism destinations also prioritize cultural sensitivity and respect towards Islamic values and traditions.

Halal tourism has been gaining popularity in recent years, with more and more destinations recognizing the importance of catering to the Muslim travel market. According to the Global Muslim Travel Index 2019, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Turkey were the top three Halal-friendly destinations. The most popular types of Halal tourism are family-friendly travel and Halal-friendly beach holidays.

Furthermore, the report revealed that Muslim travelers spent an estimated $194 billion on tourism in 2018, indicating the potential for significant economic benefits for Halal tourism destinations. The report also projected that the Muslim travel market would continue to grow, with a projected 156 million Muslim travelers by 2023.

Several key factors have contributed to the rise of Halal tourism in recent years.

Firstly, the global Muslim population is increasing, with an estimated 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide. As a result, the Muslim travel market is expanding, with more and more Muslim travelers seeking destinations that cater to their needs and preferences.

Secondly, there has been a significant rise in the middle class in many Muslim countries, leading to increased disposable income and greater travel demand. These travelers often seek more upscale and Halal-friendly travel options, including access to Halal food, prayer facilities, and gender-segregated accommodations.

Thirdly, there has been a notable increase in awareness and availability of Halal tourism products and services. Travel companies and destinations recognize the importance of catering to the Muslim travel market and offer more Halal-friendly options. For example, hotels and restaurants offer Halal food and prayer facilities, and airlines provide Halal meals on flights.

In addition, social media and online platforms have significantly increased awareness of Halal tourism. Muslim travelers can easily research and compare Halal-friendly destinations and travel options, allowing them to make informed decisions about their travel plans.

Cultural Sensitivity and Respect

Halal tourism is a type of tourism that caters to the specific needs and requirements of Muslim travelers. The following are some of the critical features of Halal tourism:

• Halal food and beverages: Halal food and beverages are crucial to Halal tourism. Muslim travelers require access to food that adheres to Islamic dietary guidelines, such as the absence of pork and alcohol. Halal tourism destinations must offer food options and information about the ingredients and preparation methods.
• Prayer facilities and services: Access to prayer facilities and services is another essential feature of Halal tourism. Muslim travelers require access to clean and private prayer spaces, including mosques or prayer rooms within hotels and other accommodations. Halal tourism destinations must ensure these facilities are available and provide information about prayer times and directions.
• Gender-segregated accommodations and facilities: Many Muslim travelers prefer gender-segregated accommodations and facilities, such as separate swimming pools, spas, and gyms. Halal tourism destinations must provide options for gender-segregated facilities and ensure they are accessible to all travelers.
• Cultural sensitivity and respect: Halal tourism destinations must demonstrate cultural sensitivity and respect towards Islamic values and traditions. This may include providing information about local customs and practices, avoiding activities that may be offensive or inappropriate, and offering a welcoming and inclusive environment for Muslim travelers.

Halal tourism can bring a range of benefits to destinations, local communities, and travelers themselves. The following are some of the critical benefits of Halal tourism:

• Economic benefits for destinations: Halal tourism can provide significant economic benefits to destinations by attracting a growing market of Muslim travelers. Muslim travelers spend more money on travel than other travelers, focusing on luxury and Halal-friendly accommodations, Halal food and beverages, and access to prayer facilities and services. By catering to the needs and preferences of Muslim travelers, Halal tourism destinations can unlock new sources of revenue and create jobs and opportunities for local businesses.
• Social benefits for local communities: Halal tourism can also bring social benefits to local communities by promoting cultural exchange and understanding. Muslim travelers often seek authentic cultural experiences and may be interested in learning about local customs, traditions, and practices. This can increase engagement with local communities and cultural exchange and promote intercultural understanding and tolerance.
• Increased intercultural understanding and tolerance: Halal tourism can also contribute to increased intercultural understanding and tolerance by promoting cross-cultural interactions and exchange. By creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for Muslim travelers, Halal tourism destinations can foster greater understanding and respect for Islamic values and traditions, promoting a more inclusive and tolerant society.

While Halal tourism presents significant opportunities, it also faces several challenges related to infrastructure and services. The following are some of the critical challenges and opportunities facing Halal tourism:

• Challenges related to infrastructure and services: One of the primary challenges facing Halal tourism is the lack of Halal-friendly infrastructure and services in many destinations. This includes Halal food and beverages, access to prayer facilities and services, and gender-segregated accommodations and facilities. Additionally, cultural and language barriers may make it difficult for Muslim travelers to navigate unfamiliar destinations.
• Opportunities for innovation and growth: Despite these challenges, Halal tourism presents significant opportunities for innovation and growth. The growing demand for Halal tourism has led to the emergence of new Halal-friendly products and services, including Halal-certified accommodations, travel agencies, and tour operators. This has created opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses to enter the Halal tourism market and develop new products and services to cater to the needs of Muslim travelers.
• The role of technology in Halal tourism: Technology also plays a critical role in Halal tourism, providing solutions to many of the challenges facing Muslim travelers. Mobile applications, for example, can help Muslim travelers find Halal food options, prayer facilities, and Halal-friendly accommodations. Social media can also significantly promote Halal tourism and connect Muslim travelers with like-minded individuals and communities.

To successfully cater to Halal travelers, destinations must understand Muslim travelers’ specific needs and preferences and develop tailored products and services. The following are some best practices for Halal-friendly destinations:

• Halal food and beverages: Halal food and beverages are a fundamental requirement for Muslim travelers. Destinations should ensure ample options for Halal food and beverages, including Halal-certified restaurants and food markets. It’s essential to have a clear understanding of what constitutes Halal food and beverages, as specific guidelines must be followed.
• Prayer facilities and services: Muslim travelers need access to prayer facilities and services, including prayer rooms and mosques. These facilities should be clean and accessible, and there should be a clear understanding of prayer times and the direction of Mecca.
• Gender-segregated accommodations and facilities: Many Muslim travelers prefer such accommodations and facilities as swimming pools and gyms. Destinations should ensure ample options for gender-segregated facilities and that they are marked.
• Cultural sensitivity and respect: Destinations should be sensitive to Muslim travelers’ cultural and religious norms, including dress codes and social customs. This includes training staff on cultural sensitivity and providing educational materials to visitors.

To implement these best practices effectively, destinations must collaborate and partner with local businesses and organizations. This includes working with Halal-certified suppliers and tour operators and engaging with local Muslim communities to ensure that their needs and preferences are met.

Halal tourism is a rapidly growing market that has gained significant attention recently. This article discusses the rise of Halal tourism, its key features, benefits, challenges, and opportunities. We have also explored how destinations can cater to Halal travelers by implementing best practices such as providing Halal food and beverages, prayer facilities and services, gender-segregated accommodations and facilities, and cultural sensitivity and respect. Collaboration and partnerships with local businesses and organizations, as well as Halal tourism certification, can help destinations to effectively cater to Muslim travelers and tap into this growing market.

Looking to the future, Halal tourism presents significant potential for growth and economic development for destinations that embrace this market. As the Muslim population continues to grow and the middle class in Muslim countries rises, the demand for Halal tourism will likely increase. Therefore, it is crucial for stakeholders in the tourism industry, including destinations, hotels, restaurants, and tour operators, to embrace Halal tourism and adapt their products and services to meet the needs and preferences of Muslim travelers.

In conclusion, Halal tourism is a dynamic and growing market with significant potential for destinations and businesses willing to embrace it. By implementing best practices, collaborating with local businesses and organizations, and obtaining Halal tourism certification, destinations can effectively cater to the needs of Muslim travelers and tap into this lucrative market.

We call on all stakeholders in the tourism industry to recognize the importance of Halal tourism and take action to embrace this growing market. Join the global movement and embrace the Rise of Halal Tourism for an unforgettable journey that respects your faith and offers remarkable exploration.

About Hafiz M. Ahmed

Hafiz Maqsood Ahmed is the Editor-in-Chief of The Halal Times, with over 30 years of experience in journalism. Specializing in the Islamic economy, his insightful analyses shape discourse in the global Halal economy.

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Halal tourism development to be shaped by under-40s

An expanding population of young and technology-savvy Muslim travellers will impact Halal tourism development in the coming years, noted the eighth edition of the Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel (GMTI) 2022 report, released on June 1.

The global Muslim population will grow from two billion in 2022, or 25 per cent of the world population, to 2.3 billion in 2030, or 27 per cent of the world population.

Fleshing out the findings, Fazal Bahardeen, founder & CEO of CrescentRating and HalalTrip, said: “The under-40 population will grow from 1.46 billion in 2022 to 1.6 billion by 2030, while the key group of 20 to 25-year-olds will grow from 165 million now to 181 million by 2030. What this means is, we will get a very young and dynamic demographic segment that will impact the travel and tourism industry.”

The industry will need to pay particular attention to Gen Z travellers, millennials, and women who are identified as the strongest influencers in Halal tourism development.

The report noted that millennials in general are well-educated, technology-savvy, and often put in more time and effort to conduct comprehensive trip research. Muslim millennials, in particular, adopt travel patterns characterised by accessibility, affordability and authenticity.

Gen Z individuals are realistic and inquisitive, and Muslim Gen Z travellers prioritise adaptability, authenticity, affordability, and accessibility in their travel decisions.

Unlike other generations, the lack of Muslim-friendly facilities does not deter Gen Z travellers from touring a particular destination. Instead, they adapt their needs to suit their surroundings, such as by turning to vegetarian meals or instant meals when Halal food options are lacking.

Women travellers are now one of the fastest-growing segments for both general tourism and Muslim travel, making up 45 per cent of global Muslim arrivals. Noting that Muslim women travellers were already a segment to watch pre-pandemic, Fazal said many are independent and favour solo trips.

Meanwhile, in forecasting Halal tourism development, the GMTI 2022 report expects Muslim traveller numbers to reach 140 million in 2023 and return to 2019 pre-Covid levels of 160 million in 2024.

“Prior to the pandemic, we projected that Muslim visitor arrivals will reach 230 million by 2026. Given the situation we had the last two years, our estimation now is that this figure will only be reached in 2028, along with an estimated expenditure of US$225 billion,” said Fazal.

In the GMTI 2022 ranking, which rates destinations on their Halal tourism development efforts based on almost 50 data points such as visa requirements, stakeholder awareness and satisfaction of core Muslim needs, Malaysia, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia lead the top 20 chart.

Malaysia retains pole position from 2021, while Indonesia rises from fourth place last year. Indonesia shares second place with Saudi Arabia and Turkey, which ranked third and fourth respectively in 2021.

Singapore continues to be the only non-OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) country to make it to the top 20 ranking.

In a video address, Malaysia’s tourism, arts and culture minister, Nancy Shukri, said the prospects of Halal travel is promising for Malaysia, and that the government and stakeholders will continue to encourage Muslim tourists to choose Malaysia.

She said that through the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC), an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Malaysia strives to do better to help Muslim travellers fulfil their religious obligations during their trips. ITC provides training and capacity building, research, as well as standards and certification development to ensure that industry players understand the needs of Muslim travellers, and are prepared to provide value to this segment.

When asked what was most lacking in non-OIC destinations looking to attract Muslim travellers, Fazal pointed to destination marketing.

“Generally, non-OIC destinations can do much more to communicate their welcome and readiness for Muslim travellers, he told TTG Asia .

He identified Taiwan as a non-OIC destination that has done “very well” in communicating Halal-friendly features, with a press announcement issued almost every other week about new efforts to welcome Muslim travellers.

Singapore leads the pack among non-OIC destinations for “putting in immense efforts to provide services that welcome Muslim travellers”. The city-state’s proximity to and understanding of neighbouring OIC countries Malaysia and Indonesia also help to put Singapore in strong stead to welcome Muslim travellers.

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Global halal market - Statistics & Facts

The muslim consumer, global halal market, key insights.

Detailed statistics

Global Muslim market size in 2021 and 2025

Global halal industry market share worldwide by sector 2018-2024

Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

Current statistics on this topic.

Retail & Trade

Food & Nutrition

Top exporters of halal foods to OIC countries worldwide in 2021

Food & Beverage

Global Muslim food and beverage market value 2018-2024

Related topics

Recommended.

• Islamic financial sector
• World Religions

Recommended statistics

Market overview.

• Premium Statistic Global Muslim market size in 2021 and 2025
• Premium Statistic Value of halal consumer spending worldwide by category 2021-2025
• Premium Statistic Global halal food index score 2020, by country
• Premium Statistic Y-o-y growth of halal consumer spending worldwide 2019-2024
• Premium Statistic Top exporters of halal foods to OIC countries worldwide in 2021

Existing and potential value of Muslim market worldwide in 2021 and 2025 (in trillion U.S. dollars)

Value of halal consumer spending worldwide by category 2021-2025

Total value of halal consumer spending worldwide in 2021 and forecast for 2025, by category (billion U.S. dollars)

Global halal food index score 2020, by country

Index score of the leading halal food markets worldwide in 2020

Y-o-y growth of halal consumer spending worldwide 2019-2024

Year on year change on Muslim spending on halal products worldwide from 2018/2019 to 2023/2024

Leading exporters of halal foods to Organisation of Islamic Cooperation countries in 2021 (in billion U.S. dollars)*

Muslim consumers

• Premium Statistic Distribution of religions worldwide, by region 2022
• Premium Statistic Share of halal diet followers worldwide by region 2017-2021
• Premium Statistic Global Muslim food and beverage market value 2018-2024
• Premium Statistic Worldwide leading global Muslim consumer food expenditure 2019, by country

Distribution of religions worldwide, by region 2022

Global distribution of religions in 2022, by region

Share of halal diet followers worldwide by region 2017-2021

Share of people who follow a halal diet worldwide as of 2017 to 2021, by region

Muslim consumer expenditure on food and beverages worldwide from 2018 to 2024 (in trillion U.S. dollars)

Worldwide leading global Muslim consumer food expenditure 2019, by country

Muslim consumer expenditure on food and beverages worldwide in 2019, by leading country (in billion U.S. dollars)

• Premium Statistic Top markets of halal food worldwide by OIC country 2021
• Premium Statistic Halal food market revenue worldwide 2018-2027
• Premium Statistic Halal food market revenue worldwide 2014-2024, by category
• Premium Statistic Halal food market value in the U.S. 2016-2021

Top markets of halal food worldwide by OIC country 2021

Leading markets of halal food in 2021, by OIC country (in billion U.S. dollars)*

Halal food market revenue worldwide 2018-2027

Forecast market revenue of halal food worldwide from 2018 to 2027 (in billion U.S. dollars)*

Halal food market revenue worldwide 2014-2024, by category

Forecasted halal food revenue worldwide from 2014 to 2024, by category (in billion U.S. dollars)*

Halal food market value in the U.S. 2016-2021

Forecasted market value of halal food in the United States in 2016 and 2021 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Non-food halal products

• Premium Statistic Revenue of the halal cosmetics market worldwide 2018-2032
• Premium Statistic Top five global Muslim consumer cosmetics expenditure 2022, by country
• Premium Statistic Value of the Muslim apparel market in 2022, by country
• Premium Statistic Value of halal pharmaceutical markets by spending by country 2021

Revenue of the halal cosmetics market worldwide 2018-2032

Revenue of the halal cosmetics market worldwide from 2018 to 2022, with a forecast to 2032 (in million U.S. dollars)

Top five global Muslim consumer cosmetics expenditure 2022, by country

Muslim consumer expenditure on cosmetics worldwide in 2022, by leading country (in billion U.S. dollars)

Value of the Muslim apparel market in 2022, by country

Value of the modest apparel market in selected countries in 2022 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Value of halal pharmaceutical markets by spending by country 2021

Value of halal pharmaceutical markets by spending worldwide in 2021 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Halal services

• Premium Statistic Value of the Muslim friendly travel worldwide market in 2021, by country
• Premium Statistic Value of halal media and recreation by spending by country 2021
• Premium Statistic Distribution of Islamic finance assets value worldwide 2022, by type

Value of the Muslim friendly travel worldwide market in 2021, by country

Value of the Muslim friendly travel market in selected countries in 2021 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Value of halal media and recreation by spending by country 2021

Value of halal media and recreation by spending worldwide in 2021 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Distribution of Islamic finance assets value worldwide 2022, by type

Value of Islamic finance assets distribution worldwide in 2022, by type (in billion U.S. dollars)

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Please note you do not have access to teaching notes, halal tourism beyond 2020: concepts, opportunities and future research directions.

Journal of Islamic Marketing

ISSN : 1759-0833

Article publication date: 16 March 2023

Issue publication date: 4 January 2024

The current research work investigates the concept of halal tourism through research articles published during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the understanding of what halal tourism means, while traveling following the Islamic law. This study also contributes to the discussion on its definition and the shared understanding, as it is extremely important toward the sustainable development of this niche tourism section.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review of total 47 number of existing literature, extracted from two major databases, namely, Scopus and Web of Science, was conducted. For data collection, the time frame from January 2020 to January 2023 was chosen, which represents the pandemic times during which those articles were published.

Although being a growing segment, halal tourism is still at a nascent stage in business research. It is potentially an attractive and niche segment of tourism. Current research work highlights the major contents related to halal tourism, dominant theories used in literature, publishing authors, journals and research gaps for further research. In this line, future research directions are also proposed toward the end of this paper.

Originality/value

This study highlights the conceptual development and discusses the opportunities and implementation of halal tourism in post-pandemic world. Current research work presents interesting contextual data and presents insightful knowledge in a new context. This paper offers a systematic analysis and provides both an academic as well as the managerial implications.

Ekka, P.M. (2024), "Halal tourism beyond 2020: concepts, opportunities and future research directions", Journal of Islamic Marketing , Vol. 15 No. 1, pp. 42-58. https://doi.org/10.1108/JIMA-09-2022-0260

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited

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What is halal tourism and why is it so popular?

Disclaimer: Some posts on Tourism Teacher may contain affiliate links. If you appreciate this content, you can show your support by making a purchase through these links or by buying me a coffee . Thank you for your support!

Halal tourism is rapidly growing in popularity alongside the reeligion itself – but what exactly is it, and what makes it so popular? Let’s find out!

What is halal tourism?

Halal animals, other halal issues, the growth of halal tourism, halal tourist resorts, halal tourism in indonesia, halal tourism in turkey, halal tourism in croatia, halal tourism in the caribbean, halal tourism in malta, halal tourism- further reading.

Halal tourism is a specific branch of tourism aimed towards people of the Muslim faith – it involves travel to halal-friendly destinations. These are usually specific places which don’t serve alcohol or pork, and have segregated swimming pools or spa areas meaning they abide by the laws of halal.

What does halal mean

But what exactly is halal? This is something which Muslim people follow. According to the Halal Monitoring Committee, it is: an Arabic term which means permissible or lawful in Islam. In reference to food, it is the Islamic dietary standard, as prescribed in the Shari’ah (Islamic Law). And in the Qur’an it directly contrasts to things which are haram, or not allowed: haram is another Arabic term which means impermissible or unlawful in Islam.

Halal most commonly refers to food. There are certain foods (animals) which Muslim people are allowed to eat, and on top of this they must have been slaughtered in a particular – halal – way. The following information is also provided by the aforementioned Halal Monitoring Committee.

The following animals are fit for Muslim consumption:

• All domestic birds
• All types of buck

The aforementioned animals excluding fish and locusts will only be considered Halal when they are slaughtered according to the following guidelines:

• The slaughter man must be a Muslim
• Prior to slaughter, the slaughter man must invoke the name of Allah upon the animal to be slaughtered by reciting “Bismillahi Allahu Akbar” or at the very least recite “Bismillah”
• He must immediately slaughter the animal after the recital without any significant delay
• His knife must be extremely sharp in order that the slaughter may be conducted efficiently and easily and the animal suffers minimal agony
• He must sever the following arteries:
• Trachea (windpipe), Oesophagus (gullet), both Jugular Veins
• If it is not possible for the slaughter man to cut all four arteries due to whatever reason then he must sever at least three in order to render the meat Halal.
• He must conduct the slaughter manually (i.e. by hand) and swiftly. The knife must not be lifted before the cut is complete and the cut must be below the Adam’s apple

Halal extends beyond meat . It also applies to certain ways of living. For example, in order to be halal one must not consume alcohol, or do anything else which is classed as being haram. This includes halal tourism, as will be explored in this blog post, and halal banking/finance – which involves banking and financial activities which are in compliance with Shari’ah law.

There has been a significant growth in the numbers of halal tourists in recent years. The Global Muslim Travel Index, produced by Mastercard in partnership with a research company called Crescent Rating, said that Muslim traveller arrivals grew from an estimated 108 million in 2013 to 160 million in 2019. It is widely documented that Islam is the fastest growing and also the most youthful religion across the world, so it is likely that we will continue to see growth on this scale if not more so.

It is the younger generation who are encouraging the growth of this sector. In the past, many Muslims would travel for pilgrimage or religious purposes. Young people, however, are more likely to want to explore places outside of this; to see more of the world and make holiday memories like their non-Muslim peers. Faiza Khan, a marketing lecturer, says that ‘you get this new, younger generation who may not necessarily want to keep going back to their home countries all the time. They’re more exposed to the world, and they want to see more. But they want to do it without compromising on some of their religious values.’

With this in mind, travel agents and tourism companies are capitalising on halal tourism and Muslim tourists, opening resorts which allow them to holiday in a way that is completely halal and aligns with their beliefs, religion and way of life.

Halal tourist resorts are hotels or whole resorts which cater to the halal way of life. This means they don’t serve alcohol, and the swimming pools are split into male and female-only. They often have a private beach and communal prayer rooms, and are usually in places where Islam is the most commonly followed religion. 

There are sites which specialise in finding tourists a resort or hotel which is halal-friendly, such as HalalBooking.com and others. HalalBooking allows guests to narrow down their selection as to whether they want entirely alcohol-free properties, some or all halal food, the level of ladies’ privacy on offer and so on.

Halal tourism destinations

There are many destinations now offering halal friendly holidays. Below you’ll find some of the most popular, as well as a look at some places which don’t offer much in the way of halal tourism…

Indonesia has many resorts which are compatible with halal tourism. According to the 2010 census, 87% of the population there declared themselves to be Muslim – and there are at least five other religions present across the nation. With the high percentage of Muslims living here, however, it comes as no surprise that halal tourism is popular here.

According to HalalBooking there are 21 resorts which are completely alcohol free and only offer halal food. For example, three-star Sylvia Resort Komodo Labuan Bajo falls into this category and has a private-use wellness and spa facility, meaning only one family can use it at a time. It has mixed-gender pool and beach spaces allowing modest swimwear. All food is halal and there is no alcohol at the property. Another option is Ketapang Resort in Cisolok, which again only has halal food, doesn’t serve alcohol, and has a mixed-gender outdoor pool with modest swimwear allowed.

Islam is definitely the dominant religion followed in Turkey, with 90% of the population being Muslim. The sound of the call to prayer is one many tourists will associate with Turkey, and the country has many options for those looking for halal tourism.

HalalBooking showcases 54 options fitting the parameters laid out above: halal food only and no alcohol. One such hotel is the Wome Deluxe in beautiful Antalya. There is no alcohol on the property, halal food only and there are plenty of ladies-only areas such as a beach space, pool and spa. There are mixed-gender facilities too but for those wanting a female-only space, it is available.

Another option is the Villa Alya Boutique Hotel in Marmaris, offering private 3-bedroom villas each with their own secluded pool. There is also a mixed-gender beach with a modest swimwear policy. No alcohol is served here and all food is halal.

Croatia has seen a real growth in Muslim tourists coming over to visit; there has been an observed 40% growth in the number of visitors coming from the Middle East, Persian Gulf, and North Africa this year according to Total Croatia News in 2021. To this end, the Croatian tourist board is working alongside Iran to ensure halal tourism standards across the country.

While there aren’t many places to stay which are specifically catered towards Muslim travellers, there are still some halal-friendly places to stay in Croatia . They are mainly located in the capital, Dubrovnik. Hotel Aristos has a nice restaurant serving halal cuisine, while Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik also offers halal food – their (free!) breakfast comes very highly praised. There are likely to be many more halal-friendly accommodation options popping up as Croatia and Iran work alongside each other.

Halal tourism is not something you’ll commonly find in the Caribbean. Islam is not a dominant religion in any of the Caribbean countries; it is at its highest in Surimane, though still only accounts for 15.2% of the populations’ religion.  The Palms Resort in Barbados offer a 100% halal experience. You’ll get a personal Muslim chef, there is a private pool for women, Quran tutoring, access to Muslim doctors should you need one and much more. The ‘Barbados Halal Experience’ website says: BHE is pleased to offer “The Palms Resort Halal Experience”.  These 100% Halal Experiences are specially designed holiday packages for the Muslim tourist who wishes a truly all-inclusive halal vacation on a tropical island at an affordable cost. All food items in the packages are prepared and handled under strict guidelines and are 100% certified halal by the local Islamic authorities.

There are a lot of hotels in Malta which have halal food on the menu. Again, it is not somewhere where you’ll find many specifically halal hotels; HalalBooking shows 219 hotels, but most only fall into the categories of ‘halal food on request’, or have private and secluded spas which in themselves are halal-friendly. Villa Layla in Gozo, as with any self-catering property if you choose to have it this way, is labelled as a non-alcohol property. However, all villas and self-catered holiday stays can be alcohol-free if you just don’t bring any alcohol; this is not specifically done for halal tourism purposes! MYN in Rabat is a hotel which is alcohol-free however – but it doesn’t serve halal food. This means a halal holiday in Malta might not be so easily come by…

If you enjoyed this article on halal tourism, I am sure that you will enjoy these too-

• What is birth tourism and is it legal?
• What is special interest tourism and why is it so popular?
• What is alternative tourism and why is it growing so fast?
• What is dental tourism and why does it exist?
• What is film tourism and why does it matter?

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WELCOME TO THE GLOBAL MUSLIM TRAVEL INDEX 2021

In the latest edition of the annual GMTI series, the GMTI2021 report looks at how the pandemic has inflicted a heavy toll on the travel industry. The pandemic has had a colossal impact on the travel sector. Muslim arrivals dropped to 42 million in 2020 from an all-time high of an estimated 160 million in 2019. As we start this recovery journey, we project that the Muslim travel market will return to the 2019 levels by 2023. Take a look at our fine-tuned “CrescentRating ACES model” to reflect the current developments better. Jointly developed by Mastercard and CrescentRating, GMTI2021 is the most comprehensive research index on the Muslim travel market and Halal Tourism ecosystem. 

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Brunei inks pacts to boost trade, tourism

PUBLISHED : 29 Apr 2024 at 21:25

WRITER: Poramet Tangsathaporn

Brunei and Thailand on Monday signed two memorandums of understanding on trade and tourism cooperation.

The first was between Thailand’s Government Pension Fund (GPF) and the Brunei Investment Agency (BIA), while the second was a cooperation between the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Thailand and the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism of Brunei, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' press statement.

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday witnessed the signing of the MoUs at the end of a two-day official visit.

Following extensive discussions at Government House, they expressed satisfaction with the countries' long-standing cordial relations and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation in mutually beneficial areas. They also exchanged views on regional issues of common interest. 

They reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in trade, investment, the halal industry, tourism, the digital economy and people-to-people exchanges through existing bilateral mechanisms. 

They also agreed to continue working closely to promote economic cooperation by establishing a mechanism at the policy level to determine concrete action plans for promoting bilateral trade and economic cooperation and tasked the relevant agencies to discuss the matter further.

They also agreed to strengthen tourism cooperation, including through the "Six Countries, One Destination" scheme, a pilot proposed by Thailand to promote regional tourism cooperation and also agreed to cooperate in health and wellness tourism, ecotourism and Muslim-friendly tourism. In addition, both sides would work towards expanding flight routes from Brunei to Thailand.

They also exchanged views on key regional developments of common interest and reaffirmed their commitment to Asean centrality.

On developments in Myanmar, the leaders shared the same goal of a peaceful, stable and unified country and called on all parties to resolve their differences through constructive dialogue to achieve a Myanmar-led and Myanmar-owned solution. Brunei also welcomed Thailand’s initiative to scale up humanitarian assistance.

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