The Rise of Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel | Global Tourism Trends by CTPH Tour
✈️ The Rise of Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel: A New Era for Global Tourism
By CTPH Tour — Your Trusted Muslim-Friendly Travel Partner in the Philippines
🌐Global tourism is rapidly evolving, and and at CTPH Tour, we’re seeing firsthand how halal and Muslim-friendly travel are reshaping destinations worldwide.
*CTPH Tour defines Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel as experiences designed to honor Islamic values while remaining inclusive for all travelers — Watch our very own MsManih explain in her FB Reel.
What was once considered a niche market centered on the Middle East has now expanded worldwide, creating new opportunities for destinations, businesses, and Muslim travelers alike.
By 2030, Muslim travelers are expected to make up nearly 30% of the global tourism market, turning halal travel into a $300-billion industry annually. 🌍
For travel agencies and destinations ready to adapt, this marks the beginning of a powerful new chapter.
*📊Sources:UNIVDatos Halal Tourism Market Report and Future Martket Insights Report
🌐 Understanding Halal Travel vs. Muslim-Friendly Travel
Halal Travel refers to journeys specifically designed to align with Islamic teachings and observances. According to Crescentrating, it is “the tourism segment which caters to the faith-based needs of Muslim travellers”. This typically includes:
Halal-certified food and restaurants
Availability of prayer rooms and ablution areas
Modest, family-friendly environments
Alcohol-free spaces
Respect for religious values throughout the travel experience
Travelers choosing fully halal destinations enjoy a seamless and spiritually comfortable experience, free from uncertainty.
Muslim-Friendly Travel, on the other hand, is more flexible. Destinations may not be 100% halal but does provide key faith-aligned services and welcoming environments. The Halal Times defines it as tourism that “adheres to the values of Islam … Muslim-friendly hospitality services such as airlines, hotels and food services …” Features might include:
Halal or vegetarian food options
Accessible prayer or worship spaces
A respectful, inclusive local culture
This opens the door to more global travel experiences for Muslims who want comfort and inclusivity without sacrificing core faith practices.
📈 Why Halal and Muslim-Friendly Tourism Matters
The surge of interest in this segment isn’t a passing trend — it’s a global shift. Here’s why:
1️. A Rapidly Growing Market
The global Muslim population continues to expand, projected to reach 2.3 billion by 2030.
Rising disposable incomes across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe are fueling new travel demand.
Muslim travelers are also known for high brand loyalty — they often return to trusted destinations and share positive word-of-mouth recommendations within their networks.
📊 Source: Pew Research Center – The Future of the Global Muslim Population
2️. Massive Economic Opportunity
According to the latest Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI 2023), the halal tourism market is valued at USD $255 billion in 2023 and projected to grow to over $300 billion by 2026 and $500 billion by 2032.
Destinations and brands embracing this movement can tap into significant revenue streams and long-term economic growth.
📊 Sources: Mastercard–CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index 2023 and DinarStandard – State of the Global Islamic Economy Report 2024
3️. Promoting Cultural Exchange
Halal and Muslim-friendly tourism foster respect, inclusion, and mutual understanding between travelers and host communities.
By embracing faith-aligned travel values, destinations help bridge cultural gaps and reduce misconceptions about Muslim travelers worldwide.
📊 Supporting Insight: UN Tourism (2023) notes that halal tourism “fosters understanding and dialogue between cultures while promoting inclusive, ethical hospitality.” 🔗UN Tourism – How to Develop Halal Tourism
4️. Powered by Travel Tech
Mobile apps like Muslim Pro, HalalTrip, and CrescentRating empower travelers to find halal food, mosques, and Muslim-friendly hotels in seconds.
These platforms leverage AI and geolocation to recommend verified halal venues and travel packages worldwide.
5️. Global Recognition
Countries such as Japan, Singapore, Thailand, and the UK are now upgrading their infrastructure to welcome Muslim travelers — from halal-certified restaurants to prayer facilities in airports.
This shift shows just how mainstream halal travel has become in the global tourism industry.
📊 Supporting Data: Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) and Singapore Tourism Board rank among the top five Muslim-friendly non-OIC destinations (GMTI 2023).🔗 GMTI 2023 – Top Non-OIC Destinations
🕌 Top Halal & Muslim-Friendly Travel Destinations for 2025
Based on the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2025, and industry insights, here are leading destinations for Muslim-friendly travel:
• Malaysia — Retains the #1 spot among OIC destinations, thanks to accessible halal-friendly services and infrastructure. Malay Mail+2kinihalal.com+2
• Türkiye, UAE & Saudi Arabia — Strong contenders in the OIC category, offering luxury halal amenities, cultural heritage and modern infrastructure. Travel & Tour World article
• Indonesia & Qatar — Also ranking highly among OIC nations, backed by certification systems and vibrant Muslim-friendly ecosystems. Rosette Media
• Singapore — Leads the non-OIC category, thanks to its inclusivity, cultural sensitivity and strong Muslim-friendly infrastructure. Mastercard+1
• Thailand, Philippines, Taiwan, Hong Kong — Emerging non-OIC destinations making significant gains in the Muslim-friendly travel space. TTR Weekly+2GMA Network+2
🇵🇭 The Philippines: A Rising Muslim-Friendly Gem
The Philippines is fast emerging as a top Muslim-friendly destination in Southeast Asia. According to the 2025 Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI), the country leapt into the top 10 among non-OIC destinations — a reflection of strengthened halal-friendly infrastructure, growing certified halal service options, and inclusive tourism efforts. The Halal Times+1
Key highlights include:
• Mindanao – rich in cultural heritage, growing halal-business ecosystem and natural attractions.
• Cebu – resorts such as the Crimson Resort & Spa now offer Muslim-friendly amenities.
• Boracay – with developments like the dedicated “Muslim-Friendly Cove” project, making the island more accessible to Muslim families. Arab News+1
• Basilan – emerging resort areas such as the Malamawi White Beach Resort highlight new inclusive hospitality offerings.
🕌 More halal-certified restaurants, resorts, and mosques are opening nationwide, making it easier for Muslim travelers to explore without compromise.
👉 At CTPH Tour, we’re proud to support this growing movement by curating Muslim-friendly tour packages that combine breathtaking destinations with respectful, faith-aligned experiences.
🧭 Practical Travel Tips for Muslim Tourists
To make trips smooth and spiritually comfortable:
✅ Use travel apps like HalalTrip or Zabihah to find halal restaurants and prayer rooms.
🕌 Pack essentials: compact prayer mats, Qibla compass, halal snacks, modest wear.
🏨 Research accommodations that offer prayer facilities, Qibla directions, or alcohol-free environments.
🚫 Choose destinations that minimize exposure to alcohol or wild nightlife for a peaceful experience.
🙏 Why Prayer Facilities Matter
Prayer facilities in airports, hotels, and tourist areas play a crucial role for Muslim travelers who observe daily prayers.
Top airports like Hamad (Qatar), Istanbul (Turkey), and Dubai (UAE) provide well-equipped prayer rooms, helping travelers maintain spiritual routines on the go.
✈️ According to Rihaala’s Muslim-Friendly Airport Guide, Dubai International Airport features “multiple prayer rooms and wudhu facilities in every terminal”, while HalalTravel.World highlights Istanbul and Doha airports among the best in the world for Muslim-friendly amenities.
These facilities reinforce the growing commitment of global airports and destinations to inclusive, faith-aligned travel experiences.
🌍 Inclusive Travel is the Future
Halal and Muslim-friendly travel is not just a niche — it’s reshaping the future of global tourism. It creates win-win opportunities for travelers and businesses by combining comfort, culture, and commerce.
✨ At CTPH Tour, we believe every traveler deserves a welcoming, safe, and faith-aligned journey. Whether you’re seeking a fully halal travel experience or Muslim-friendly adventures across the Philippines, our team is ready to make it happen.
📅 Start Your Muslim-Friendly Philippine Journey Today
👉 Discover our customizable travel packages for families, groups, and solo Muslim travelers.
✈️ Experience the Philippines with comfort, faith, and unforgettable memories.
📩 Contact CTPH Tour today to plan your next trip.
