The Muslim Travel Market: What Hosts Must Know to Tap into This Billion-dollar Opportunity

Have you noticed a growing number of Muslim-friendly options for travellers popping up in your Instagram feed, designed all over the world with Muslim families and faith in mind? It’s not just a trend — it’s a booming global movement. With more Muslim travellers seeking authentic, culturally respectful experiences, the opportunity for hosts and businesses is massive. 

At MyRehat, we see this as more than just a market segment; it’s a chance to create meaningful, inclusive travel.

The Muslim Travel Boom Is Real

According to Future Market Insights, the global Halal tourism industry is set to explode from USD 301.9 billion in 2025 to USD 548.1 billion by 2035. That’s nearly doubling in a decade! Additionally, Mastercard and CrescentRating’s Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2023 report forecasts that by 2028, Muslim arrivals will reach 230 million globally, contributing significantly to global travel expenditure.

(Source: https://www.webintravel.com/muslim-travel-market-set-for-230-million-international-arrivals-by-2028-with-an-expenditure-of-usd-225-billion/)

Thailand, a traditionally non-Muslim-majority country, is also making impressive strides in Halal tourism. Chulalongkorn University’s Halal Science Centre has launched an innovative app called “Halal Route” to simplify travel for Muslim visitors. This user-friendly platform offers comprehensive details on Halal tourism services — from food to prayer spaces — ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for travelers from across the globe.

Popular travel destinations such as Turkiye, Malaysia, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia consistently rank as top Muslim-friendly countries. Even traditionally non-Muslim countries such as Japan, South Korea, and Australia are starting to cater to Muslim travellers by improving Halal offerings, prayer room access, and community outreach.

This isn’t just a “nice to have” audience — it’s a must-serve market with consistent growth potential, especially among Gen Z and millennial travellers.

Who Are These Travellers?

Forget outdated stereotypes. Today’s Muslim travellers are:

1. Young: 70% are under 40, driven by millennials and Gen Z enthusiasm for travel.

1. Tech-savvy: They research, book, and review everything online, often relying on user-generated content and Muslim-focused travel platforms.

1. Family-oriented: They travel in groups with children and the elderly, emphasising safe, accessible spaces.

1. Ethical consumers: They prefer businesses that align with their values, including sustainable tourism and fair practices.

“A young couple from Indonesia on their honeymoon might look for a private pool villa in Langkawi with Halal dining options, or a family from the Middle East travelling during school holidays may prioritise accommodation with spacious rooms, kitchenettes, and prayer-friendly environments”

(Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/2/1/niche-to-mainstream-evolution-of-halal-tourism-in-global-travel-industry)

What Are They Looking For?

Whether it’s a boutique homestay in Penang or a chic city loft in Kuala Lumpur, here’s what makes your accommodation stand out to Muslim guests:

• Halal-certified or Halal-friendly food options: Either offered on-site or easily accessible nearby. Listings should mention Halal eateries within walking distance.
• Prayer facilities: Qibla direction marked, prayer mats provided, and information on the nearest mosque (ideally within a 10-minute radius).

• No alcohol policy: Avoid storing alcohol or allow the option to book “dry” units.
• Privacy matters: Families, especially women travellers, appreciate accommodations with closed-off spaces, private pools, or curtained windows.
• Cultural sensitivity: Provide welcome notes for Ramadan, offer Sahur-friendly options, or mention prayer times. Language also matters; basic greetings like “Assalamualaikum” can go a long way.

Hosting Muslim Travellers: A Smart Business Move

The Muslim population is projected to spend $2.8 trillion by 2025 across various sectors, including travel, fashion, and food. Here’s what tapping into this market can mean for hosts:

(Source: https://www.consultancy.asia/news/5341/market-size-of-global-halal-industry-to-reach-77-trillion-by-2025)

• Increased visibility: Muslim travellers often share good experiences through word-of-mouth, blogs, or social media.
• Higher occupancy during religious holidays: Travel spikes during Ramadan, Eidul Fitri, and Eidul Adha, as well as the December-January holiday season.
• Repeat guests: Culturally respected guests are more likely to return to properties that make them feel at home.

How MyRehat Supports This

At MyRehat, we showcase listings with Muslim-friendly filters, such as Halal dining access and prayer-friendly amenities. Our collaborations with local vendors also allow us to suggest activities that suit Muslim travellers, like Halal food tours and cooking classes.

We also help hosts improve their listings to be more inclusive by offering training on cultural etiquette, tips for listing optimisation, and highlighting the value of serving niche markets.

Real Tips for Hosts:

• Add phrases like “Muslim-friendly” or “Near Halal food” in your listing title.
• Provide physical amenities: Prayer mats, Al-Quran, local mosque map (especially useful for long-stay guests), or a fridge for storing Sahur meals.
• Include seasonal promotions: “Ramadan Special – Free Iftar Delivery”
• Collaborate with Muslim-owned eateries or transport services.

A New Kind of Hospitality

In conclusion, tapping into the Muslim travel market is not about changing your whole business — it’s about being mindful, inclusive, and ready to welcome a community that’s eager to explore. As demand rises for more ethical and tailored travel, businesses that serve this audience well will thrive.

At MyRehat, we believe in travel that connects people across cultures. If you’re a host, now’s the time to think beyond the basics and prepare your property for the next wave of thoughtful, curious, and values-driven Muslim travellers. Consider this a new kind of hospitality (although it is actually the new travel norm here in Malaysia)!

If you are a traveller seeking a reassurance in your trip, start exploring Muslim-friendly accommodations and tours curated just for you at www.myrehat.com — where meaningful travel meets comfort and cultural care.