Evaluating 150 destinations representing over 98% of international Muslim visitor arrivals, the Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2026 provides the definitive benchmark for faith-compatible travel intelligence. While individual country scores highlight specific destination achievements, analyzing performance through a subregional lens reveals broader geographic strengths, infrastructure densities, and growth corridors.
As international Muslim arrivals reach 196 million on a trajectory toward 262 million by 2030 (driving an estimated USD 310 billion in annual expenditure), understanding regional capabilities helps travel trade stakeholders and tourists navigate global mobility options.
Comprehensive Subregional Performance Table
The GMTI 2026 subregional analysis stratifies global performance based on average scores computed across the four core pillars of the ACES Framework (Access, Communication, Environment, Services):
Key Regional Takeaways & Insights
1. The Traditional Powerhouses: Western Asia & Northern Africa
Western Asia retains the top position globally, closely followed by Northern Africa. Led by high-spending Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) economies, such as Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Egypt, and Morocco, these regions inherently feature pervasive Halal food networks, accessible prayer spaces, and deep Islamic heritage assets. They also lead globally in the Access pillar due to extensive air route connectivity and simplified e-visa platforms.
2. The High-Density Ecosystems: South-Eastern & Central Asia
With an average score of 60, South-Eastern Asia stands out as a world-class tourism corridor. The region boasts two of the top overall OIC destinations globally—Malaysia and Indonesia, the first and second rank overall—alongside the leading non-OIC destination, Singapore (#10 globally). High Halal food density, strong public safety, and short intra-regional travel distances make it an ideal destination for family and multi-generational travel.
Concurrently, Central Asia continues its steady rise, driven by Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, which leverage historical Silk Road Islamic heritage to attract cultural and purpose-led travelers.
3. Eastern Asia’s Progressive Breakthroughs
Eastern Asia represents the fastest-growing non-OIC cluster. Led by Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea, destination authorities in these markets have expanded Halal certification programs, integrated prayer facilities across major transit terminals, and deployed targeted multilingual digital marketing campaigns.
4. Western Destinations and the Visibility Gap
Subregions across Europe and Northern America demonstrate high structural marks in general safety, basic utilities, and transport infrastructure. However, their overall average scores remain suppressed by lower availability of certified Halal dining, limited dedicated prayer spaces in public areas, and reduced direct destination marketing aimed at faith-conscious demographics.
Where Regions Excel and Where Gaps Persist
To understand why subregional averages vary so significantly, the GMTI 2026 report evaluates destination performance across specific journey touchpoints. Mapping the regional averages across these critical touchpoints highlights clear operational strengths and key areas for development:
Halal Dining & Culinary Assurance
Asia leads the world with a regional average score of 74 out of 100, followed by Africa at 63. Non-OIC regions in Europe and the Americas continue to expand their certified offerings, but availability remains largely concentrated within major urban centers.
Prayer Facilities & Spiritual Anchors
Asia and Africa provide the most comprehensive network of mosques and dedicated prayer spaces. In contrast, Oceania, Europe, and the Americas exhibit a noticeable shortage of dedicated prayer infrastructure, especially outside primary airports.
Airport Transit Readiness
Airport facilities represent a crucial first impression. Asia dominates airport readiness with a score of 64, whereas Europe and the Americas face significant gaps in providing wudu-friendly washrooms and easily discoverable airport prayer spaces.
Universal Accessibility & Transport
Europe leads the world in universal accessibility with a score of 82, followed closely by Oceania and the Americas. This barrier-free public infrastructure makes Western markets highly attractive for senior travelers, neurodivergent visitors, and multi-generational families, provided faith-essentials can also be met.
Destination Marketing & Stakeholder Awareness
Communication remains a critical bottleneck for Western markets. While Asia leads in active Halal destination marketing and stakeholder training, Europe and the Americas are more ahead in the marketing outreach and stakeholder awareness. This highlights an opportunity for Western tourism boards to bridge the visibility gap and attract high-yield travelers.
Understanding the Global Muslim-Friendly Readiness
While traditional Muslim-majority regions in Western Asia and North Africa continue to set baseline standards, destination readiness is accelerating globally. From the high-tech smart hubs of Southeast Asia to the proactive accreditation programs across East Asia, global travel is becoming increasingly accessible, seamless, and welcoming for Muslim visitors everywhere.
Download the Complete Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index 2026 Report here to discover more valuable insights.
