How does the GMTI score destinations?
The Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index scores 150 destinations from 0 to 100 using the ACES framework — four pillars, 17 sub-indicators, and more than 60 quantitative datasets, refined over 11 editions since 2015.
The scoring pipeline
Each destination is assessed on 17 sub-indicators grouped under the four ACES pillars. Sub-indicator values are compiled from more than 60 quantitative datasets — spanning connectivity, visa openness, transport, marketing reach, safety, sustainability, halal assurance, prayer infrastructure and more.
Sub-indicator values are normalised to a common 0–100 scale, aggregated into the four pillar scores, then weighted and combined into the overall GMTI score. Destinations with equal overall scores share the same rank.
The index unifies longitudinal research — the same core framework tracked since 2015 — with predictive trend tracking introduced in recent editions, so scores are comparable across years while reflecting current market structure.
Data collection and sources
To ensure a comprehensive and accurate assessment, the data underpinning the GMTI is gathered through a rigorous, multi-layered research process — combining CrescentRating’s proprietary data platforms with extensive primary research, advanced data modeling, and trusted external benchmarks.
Primary Research & AI-Assisted Sourcing
CrescentRating's in-house research team deploys a hybrid intelligence model, combining deep-dive data extraction from official global tourism registries with advanced AI tools and social listening to systematically aggregate high-integrity market data.
Proprietary Data Insights
The index draws heavily from historical and real-time data maintained within CrescentRating's own CR MAPS platform, alongside insights from previous research conducted by both CrescentRating and HalalTrip.
Advanced Data Modeling
To translate raw data into actionable intelligence, specialized data extraction and analytical models are utilized to isolate specific trends and indicators.
Trusted Third-Party Benchmarks
To complement internal research, the index integrates a select number of standardized datasets from leading international organizations and global indices. These include the United Nations (UN), the World Bank, UN Tourism (formerly UNWTO), UNESCO, the World Economic Forum (WEF), Our World in Data, Vision of Humanity, the Global Innovation Index, and IQAir.
On-the-Ground Expert Panels
To capture nuances that data alone might miss, the methodology incorporates qualitative feedback from a panel of destination experts. These specialists provide essential, localized perspectives on the actual availability, quality, and readiness of Muslim-friendly facilities within each destination.
The ACES framework — 4 pillars, 17 sub-indicators
Access
How easily a Muslim traveller can reach and move through the destination.
- Connectivity
- Visa Requirements
- Transport Infrastructure
Communication
How clearly the destination reaches and is understood by the Muslim market.
- Communication Proficiency
- Destination Marketing
- Stakeholder Awareness
Environment
The enabling conditions — safety, faith-friendliness and sustainability.
- Basic Utilities
- Faith Restrictions
- General Safety
- Visitor Arrivals
- Sustainability
- Accessibility
Services
The faith-based services that make a trip seamless on the ground.
- Prayer Places
- Halal Dining
- Airport Facilities
- Accommodation
- Heritage & Experiences
Technical notes
Data utilization and projections
The GMTI utilizes data primarily from the current year — this edition incorporates data from 2025 and early 2026, with a cut-off at the end of March 2026 so the most up-to-date information is included.
Where a dataset is not yet available for the current year, the GMTI uses data from the most recent previous years, avoiding significant data gaps. When specific real-time data for a destination is unavailable, a three-pronged estimation framework maintains the continuity and reliability of the index:
Trend Projections
This method leverages a destination's own historical data patterns to estimate current figures. By analyzing past growth rates and seasonal trends, the framework provides an informed, mathematically consistent calculation to fill temporary reporting gaps.
Comparative Proxies
In situations where data is missing but strong structural similarities exist between markets, data from a comparable destination is utilized as a proxy. This ensures the estimation reflects realistic behavior by pairing destinations with aligned cultural, economic, or inbound travel patterns.
AI-Driven Modeling and Benchmarking
For destinations lacking both recent historical data and direct regional proxies, advanced machine learning models are deployed. These models analyze broader global benchmarks and evaluate data from peer economies with similar macroeconomic indicators to generate precise, context-aware estimates.
Data normalization techniques
Two primary normalization techniques ensure the data is comparable and standardized across diverse variables. Clipping Normalization defines maximum (and possibly minimum) boundaries for a dataset and assigns those boundary values to any outliers beyond them — ensuring extreme values don’t disproportionately influence the results.
Linear Normalization transforms all data points to fall within a predefined range, maintaining the original distribution while bringing data of different units, scales, or magnitudes to a uniform scale without losing their original relational differences.
Calculating GMTI scores
The calculation of scores for each destination follows a three-step process embedded within the ACES framework.
The Two-Tiered Approach
Each of the four main categories — Access, Communication, Environment, and Services — comprises two distinct tiers of data. This structured approach ensures that every critical aspect within each category is duly considered.
Weighted Average Calculations for Subcategories
The individual scores for each subcategory are computed based on a weighted average of the number of data sets contained within that subcategory. This process ensures that each element within the subcategory influences the final score, in proportion to its relevance and importance.
Overall GMTI Score Determination
The comprehensive score for each destination is determined by calculating the weighted average of the four main categories. This final score offers a robust and fair representation of the destination's Muslim-friendliness based on access, communication, environment, and services.
Eleven editions of longitudinal research
Research team
Fazal Bahardeen founded CrescentRating in 2008 and created the Global Muslim Travel Index, the ACES framework, and the world’s first rating system for Muslim-friendly travel services. The GMTI is produced by the CrescentRating research team in partnership with Mastercard.
Source: Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index 2026 · Research enquiries: crescentrating.com/contact