Monday, March 24, 2025 As Muslims worldwide observe the holy month of Ramadan, the growing popularity of halal tourism is capturing significant attention within the travel sector. South African Tourism (SAT) reports that this dynamic sector has become an essential component of the worldwide travel and tourism industry, fueled by a noticeable rise in Muslim travelers seeking destinations that cater to their religious and cultural needs. The figures speak for themselves in 2022, approximately 110 million Muslims traveled abroad, constituting 12% of all international arrivals.
This represents a remarkable 68% recovery from travel numbers seen before the pandemic. The 2023 Global Muslim Travel Index reveals that the Muslim travel market is on the brink of significant expansion. Projections suggest that by 2028, Muslim traveler arrivals could rise to 230 million, with spending expected to reach an astounding US$225 billion.
This growth not only underscores the economic potential but also reflects the shifting dynamics of global tourism. With the global Muslim population reaching two billion and projected to grow to 2.3 billion by 2030, making up 27% of the world’s total population, the halaal tourism market’s role in the global economy is becoming more pronounced.
Increasingly, travelers are drawn to destinations that offer well-developed infrastructure tailored to meet their religious and cultural needs. Halaal-friendly destinations are found both in Organisation of Islamic C.
