Crescentrating: Halal Tourism & Lifestyle Unpacked

The GMTI 2025 report reveals a crucial shift: accessible travel, particularly for neurodivergent individuals and seniors, is no longer a niche but a multi-billion-dollar strategic imperative for the global tourism industry.This deep dive unpacks the key findings from the latest Global Muslim Travel Index, moving beyond social responsibility to detail the powerful economic argument for inclusive tourism. We analyze the specific needs, market value, and practical strategies for destinations and service providers to attract the neurodivergent travel market and the rapidly growing senior traveler demographic. Learn about the Accessible Travel Framework (ATF) and the new Muslim-Friendly Accessible Travel Destination Sub-Index.

Get a concise audio overview of the 10th edition of the Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2025 Report! This flagship publication, released at the Halal In Travel Global Summit 2025 in Singapore, provides the definitive benchmark for the global Muslim travel market, celebrating eleven years of partnership between Mastercard and CrescentRatingKey Highlights from This Overview:•Market Growth: The Muslim travel market is in a dynamic new growth phase, with an estimated 176 million international Muslim visitors in 2024 (10% above pre-pandemic levels) and projected to reach 245 million arrivals by 2030, with an estimated expenditure of USD 235 billion•Evolving Traveler Profile: Witness a shift towards more independent and conscious journeys, including the rise of solo travelers (Millennials, Gen Z), female travelers, and purpose-led experiences like regenerative tourism, digital detox retreats, and sports tourism•New Competitive Landscape: Discover how non-OIC destinations like Singapore, the UK, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Spain are strategically increasing their appeal and challenging traditional leaders•Deepened Inclusivity: The report expands its Accessible Travel Framework (ATF) to spotlight the unique needs of neurodivergent travelers and active senior travelers•Enhanced Frameworks: Learn about the refined ACES model with new metrics for basic utilities, and the RIDA framework (Responsible, Immersive, Digital, Assured) now aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), alongside the new RIDA Impact Score (RIS) for benchmarking tourism providers•Top Destinations: Malaysia retains its #1 position, while Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE share the #2 spot. Singapore remains the top non-OIC destination1920. The GMTI has transformed the global travel ecosystem, influencing governments, academia, and businesses to foster a global travel environment built on understanding, trust, and excellenceDownload the full GMTI 2025 Report: Find the complete report and dive deeper into the insights at: https://www.crescentrating.com/

Explore the future of Halal travel through the lens of Crescentrating’s RIDA Framework—a comprehensive outlook on the four major forces transforming Muslim-friendly tourism: Responsible, Immersive, Digital, and Assured.In this episode, we break down key insights in a podcast-style format, highlighting how global travel is evolving to meet the expectations of conscious, connected, and faith-driven travelers. Whether you're a destination marketer, travel provider, or curious explorer, this guide is packed with inspiration and actionable takeaways.🔹 Responsible Tourism✅ From sustainability to regeneration: travelers want to give back✅ The rise of ethical dining choices✅ Sustainable mobility is becoming a must✅ Community-Based Tourism (CBT) is on the rise🔹 Immersive Experiences✅ Real cultural engagement over curated tours✅ Live like a local: daily life as the new attraction✅ Festival and sports tourism gain momentum✅ Off-the-grid adventures are in demand🔹 Digital Advancement✅ AI tools revolutionizing Halal travel planning✅ Robots & future-forward service in hospitality✅ Smart apps offering personalized, seamless Halal journeys✅ Streamlined immigration through tech🔹 Assured Services✅ Inclusive travel is now essential, not optional✅ Muslim-friendly travel is growing globally

In 2025, Ramadan will witness over 1.6 trillion prostrations in prayer and billions more acts of devotion worldwide. These staggering numbers reflect a deeper spiritual commitment and evolving community engagement among Muslims today.In this episode, we dive into exclusive insights from CrescentRating’s Ramadan 2024 Survey, comparing trends from 2022 to projections for 2025. From daily prayers and Qur’an recitation to increased charitable giving and communal Taraweeh, Ramadan is an even more powerful time of reflection, community, and faith.What’s driving this change? How are Muslims integrating spiritual practices into modern life? And what role does technology play in shaping future Ramadan observances? 🔗 Visit CrescentRating.com for the full article here https://www.crescentrating.com/magazine/all/4269/rekindling-ramadan-deepening-faith-and-spiritual-commitment.html📊 Key Highlights in This Episode:91% prioritize Five Daily PrayersQur’an recitation jumps to 87%76% will join Taraweeh prayers61% prioritize Sadaqah (charitable giving)Over 541 million Muslims expected at mosques111 billion dates eaten to break the fastOver 1.6 trillion prostrations worldwide!

In this episode, we are talking to Professor Cédomir Nestorovic who teachers International Marketing and Geopolitics at the ESSEC Business School here in Singapore. Find out his views on the impact of lockdowns on the Economy and Tourism and why he thinks ASEAN will recover faster. The key role Airlines will have to play in tourism recovery in the region.