By Hanim Zulaikha Zulkifli
Islamic tourism, also known as Muslim-friendly tourism, has seen rapid growth, driven by a global Muslim population that now exceeds 2 billion. This expanding demographic is increasingly looking for travel experiences that align with their religious beliefs, favouring destinations that cater to their needs for halal food, prayer facilities, and accommodations that respect Islamic practices. In this burgeoning market, Malaysia has consistently stood out as the leading Muslim-friendly travel destination.
Malaysia’s appeal lies in its cultural diversity, rich food heritage, and welcoming environment, attracting millions of Muslim travellers from around the world. With a predominantly Muslim population and significant communities of other faiths, the country offers a harmonious multicultural experience. Halal food is widely available, allowing visitors to indulge in a range of local and international cuisines without concern, making dining a stress-free experience for Muslim travellers.
The country also boasts over 6,000 mosques, providing ample prayer facilities, ensuring that visitors can easily maintain their religious practices. From the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur to more serene rural settings, the ease of access to prayer facilities makes Malaysia particularly attractive to Muslim tourists. Additionally, with more than 50 certified Muslim-friendly hotels and nearly 90 certified Muslim-friendly tourist guides, Malaysia ensures that Muslim travellers have ample options for accommodations and services tailored to their needs, enhancing their overall travel experience.
Malaysia’s efforts in Muslim-friendly tourism have not gone unnoticed. The country has consistently ranked at the top of CrescentRating’s Halal Friendly Travel Index and maintained its position as a leader in global Muslim travel rankings over the past decade. This recognition underscores Malaysia’s commitment to being a premier destination for Muslim tourists.
The broader Muslim tourism market is poised for substantial growth, with forecasts predicting 230 million Muslim tourist arrivals and an estimated USD 225 billion in expenditure by 2028. Malaysia, which welcomed 5.3 million Muslim tourists in 2019 and over 400,000 in the first half of 2022, is well-positioned to continue capturing a significant share of this market, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council.
Countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar have emerged as the top spenders in outbound Muslim tourism, demonstrating the rising demand for destinations that cater specifically to Muslim travellers. Malaysia’s proactive approach to meeting these travellers' needs keeps it ahead in the global tourism landscape. With its rich cultural offerings, comprehensive Muslim-friendly services, and reputation for hospitality, Malaysia is poised to remain a top destination in this thriving sector.
As global demand for Islamic tourism continues to grow, Malaysia’s dedication to enhancing Muslim-friendly travel experiences will help solidify its position as a leader, attracting even more visitors and contributing significantly to the economy.
