The halal and friendly tourism market for Muslims is expected to grow to $ 410.9 billion by 2032, up from $ 256.5 billion in 2023, according to industry predictions, as the famous tourist destinations launched various initiatives on cash in high demand.

International tourists arrivals were included in the first half of 2024 at 80 million, according to the category of Al Hilal, which said that the sharp rise is scheduled to continue and the figures may reach 230 million by 2028.

Industry experts say that the Islamic Islamic economy, which includes investments as well as tourism among other things, is scheduled to reach $ 7.7 trillion this year, more than twice more than $ 3.2 trillion in 2015 and much higher than $ 5.7 trillion in 2021.

What is halal tourism?

Halal is an Arabic term that means “allowed” and extends to more than just food.

Halal or friendly tourism for Muslims will cover everything from halal food, prayer facilities and water availability in toilets for washing and weights, and separation options between the sexes, as well as an environment and experience free of “banned” business, including alcohol and gambling.

Why was there a need for halal tourism options?

“The Muslim entertainment travelers have similar motives for others.” Vasal Bahardin, CEO of Crescent Rating, told Al Jazerera: “They want to try a culture of their destination.”

“The main difference is that they are seeking to enjoy these experiences without compromising their basic faith needs. It is not just a form of religious tourism.”

A report issued by Crescent Rating predicts that the Islamic travel market is expected to reach $ 300 billion by 2026, and it is a “strategic opportunity for destinations and operators to communicate with an increasing audience.”

Is the friendly tourism market spread to Muslims?

Abdololmalik Khayat, CEO and founder of the Halal Tourism Britain, believes that halal tourism is “an unexploited market with potential.”

“Initially, Muslim travelers were only performing religious pilgrimage or visiting” returning to the homeland. “But with the growth of society, especially the young generations, with their surplus spending, it became clear that their needs must meet their needs.

Bahrain says that many popular tourist destinations “are now aware of these capabilities and enhance their shows to be more comprehensive.”

While Malaysia and Thailand are among the most popular destinations, the other famous includes Singapore, the United Kingdom, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Thailand.

In July last year, Thailand revealed Halal industry work plan It aims to enhance local products and enhance industry standards. The country has put its hopes in the increasing halal industry to help enhance its tourism-based economy, which has been struggled since the Covid-19 pandemic.

With an increase of 4 meters in Muslim tourists in 10 years, Thailand opened its first halal hotel. pic.twitter.com/Kpeetofwnef

Ajenglish March 24, 2017

In November, the Hong Kong Tourism Council launched an initiative to “push for the development of friendly tourism facilities for Muslim to raise visitors’ experiences.

In a statement sent to the island, she said that she wants to “encourage restaurants, hotels, attractions, places and other institutions to review their friendly Muslims, while enhancing the importance of halal certificate between trade”, sharing a list of hotels, restaurants and attractions that obtained the required certificate.

Since 2019, Taiwan has been constantly among the destinations that have been ranked greatly according to the Crescent classification, while the Philippines kept its title as an emerging destination for Muslims for the second year in a row in 2024.

Last year, the Minister of Tourism of the Philippines, Christina Fresco, said that the Ministry of Tourism “is aware of the importance of halal tourism and its capabilities to contribute to the growth and diversity of our tourism industry.”

She added: “To meet the needs of Muslim travelers by developing halal tourism is extremely important in ensuring that our competitiveness is raised in the global tourism market.”

Zanzibar hosted a halal tourism exhibition last year, in the hope of attracting investment, but also interest. Tourism in Zanzibar Al -Jazeera told Al -Jazeera that this step would also help strengthen companies that have already been providing such initiatives.

“The increase in non -Muslim countries that meet halal tourism shows a positive direction in market growth,” said Khayyat, from Britain, halal tourism.

What contributes to increasing halal tourism?

While the rise in Muslim population growth is still a factor that pushes the demand to the top, according to tailor, another major cause is the increasing middle -class with available income that wants to travel more.

He said: “More destinations, whether Muslim or non -elderly, are familiar with capabilities and actively market themselves to create different experiences.”

“We also need to realize that the age in which we live, the narration can now be informed by Muslim influencers and Islamic brands that benefit from them as well, with the realization that non -Muslims who may determine that they are halal travelers are increasingly wished to have common experiences.”

Nearly 70 percent of the global Muslim population are less than 40.

Al -Hilal ranked as “by 2034, the Muslim population will witness great increases in the middle age groups [21-30 and 31-40]Which are a demographic travel sectors due to their economic activity and travel. “

Bahardin says it has been part of the industry over the past 16 years, and “changes in halal tourism have been deep.”

“When we started, it was a specialized concept with a limited awareness. Today, it is widely recognized through the travel industry, with full segments dedicated to accommodating Muslim travelers. The level of awareness, innovation and investment in this sector has greatly evolved.”