In May 2024, Mastercard and CrescentRating unveiled the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2024, an ambitious and comprehensive guide set to reshape the landscape of Muslim-friendly tourism. This year's report introduces several pioneering enhancements and initiatives designed to address the evolving needs and preferences of Muslim travelers. Here’s an in-depth look at what’s new in the GMTI 2024.
At the heart of this year’s report is the introduction of the RIDA Framework, a holistic model designed to enrich the travel experiences of Muslim tourists by integrating four core dimensions: Responsible, Immersive, Digital, and Assured.
Responsible tourism emphasizes sustainable practices that respect local cultures and the environment. Immersive experiences offer travelers deeper cultural engagements and authentic interactions. The Digital aspect focuses on leveraging technology to enhance convenience and connectivity for travelers. Lastly, Assured Travel prioritizes safety and security, ensuring that destinations are welcoming and secure for Muslim tourists.
Inclusivity is a key theme in the GMTI 2024, with a strong focus on accessible travel. The report introduces the Accessible Travel Framework, which underscores the commitment to making travel experiences convenient and respectful for all, including Muslim travelers with specific accessibility needs. This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure that travel is inclusive and equitable.
Additionally, the report introduces metrics in the ACES criteria to measure destinations' commitment to accessible tourism. These metrics are designed to evaluate how well destinations accommodate travelers with disabilities and other special requirements, making it easier for Muslim tourists to navigate and enjoy their journeys.
Visa-free travel is another significant focus of the GMTI 2024. The report provides an in-depth analysis of visa-free travel within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) destinations, highlighting the ease and benefits of intra-OIC travel for Muslim tourists.
The newly introduced Intra-OIC Visa-Free Travel Index ranks and evaluates OIC destinations based on the ease of cross-border travel. This analysis underscores the growing trend towards visa-free travel, which fosters greater global mobility and facilitates smoother travel experiences for Muslim tourists.
Recognizing the unique travel preferences of Muslim women, the GMTI 2024 expands its focus on destinations that cater specifically to their needs. The report emphasizes safety, privacy, accessibility, and a welcoming environment, ensuring that Muslim women can travel with confidence and comfort.
This initiative reflects a broader recognition of the diverse needs of Muslim travelers and aims to create more inclusive and supportive travel environments for all.
The culinary landscape is another highlight of the GMTI 2024, with an enhanced focus on Halal food diversity. The report acknowledges the significance of diverse and authentic Halal cuisines in enriching the travel experiences of Muslim tourists.
To celebrate this diversity, the HalalTrip Gastronomy Awards debuted in Singapore, recognizing destinations that excel in offering a variety of Halal food options. This initiative responds to the growing desire among Muslim travelers for diverse culinary experiences that are both authentic and respectful of their dietary needs.
The GMTI 2024 also delves deeper into the demographics of the global Muslim population, offering valuable insights into age distribution and growth trends. The report examines economic indicators of OIC destinations, providing rankings based on these criteria.
These insights are crucial for understanding the dynamics of Muslim tourism and for identifying the top OIC destinations that are poised to attract and accommodate Muslim travelers effectively.
The Global Muslim Travel Index 2024 by Mastercard-CrescentRating marks a significant milestone in the evolution of Muslim-friendly tourism. With its pioneering enhancements and comprehensive initiatives, the GMTI 2024 sets a new standard for destinations seeking to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers. From the innovative RIDA Framework to the focus on accessible travel, visa-free mobility, Muslim women-friendly destinations, and Halal food diversity, the report offers a roadmap for creating more inclusive, immersive, and respectful travel experiences. As the Muslim travel market continues to grow, these initiatives will play a crucial role in shaping a more welcoming and accommodating global tourism landscape.
Visit this link to download the GMTI 2024 full report!
