Indonesia’s Rise in Muslim Travel Index Signals Economic Potential
In a notable advancement, Indonesia has secured a tied position in the Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2026, ranking second alongside Saudi Arabia and Turkey. This marks a significant recovery from a fifth-place finish in 2025, attributed to strategic investments and initiatives aimed at attracting Muslim travelers.
Key Rankings and Changes in Muslim Travel Destinations
The GMTI 2026 report reveals that Malaysia remains the top destination for Muslim travelers, achieving a score of 83, a four-point increase from the previous year. Saudi Arabia and Turkey each scored 79 points after slight improvements, while Qatar maintained its fifth place with a score of 76. The United Arab Emirates experienced the largest decline, falling four spots to sixth place after losing three points, reflecting challenges in its appeal to this demographic.
Meanwhile, Bahrain exhibited remarkable growth, jumping five places to joint seventh after earning an additional four points. Iran and Kuwait also share the same seventh-place ranking, while Oman rounds out the top ten. This shifting landscape highlights the competition among nations to cater to Muslim travelers, emphasizing the critical importance of tailored services and accommodations.
Indonesia’s Strategic Recovery Initiatives
Indonesia’s resurgence in the GMTI rankings is largely credited to a multifaceted strategy targeting the Muslim travel sector. Following its previous drop due to enhanced investments by fellow Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states, Indonesia has implemented numerous initiatives to revitalize its tourism and hospitality sectors.
A key element of this strategy is the introduction of MaiA, an AI-driven platform developed by the Ministry of Tourism, aimed at enticing digital-native travelers under 40, who constitute a significant portion of the market. The platform crafts personalized itineraries while highlighting faith-friendly services. Furthermore, the Indonesia Sharia Economic Festival has grown significantly, attracting approximately 444,000 attendees, thereby strengthening awareness around Halal culinary offerings and the broader sharia economy.
Infrastructure enhancements, especially at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, have also played a crucial role. The implementation of e-visas and biometric gates has expedited border crossings, improving overall accessibility scores and enhancing the travel experience for visitors.
Growth in Global Muslim Travel Market
The GMTI 2026 report identifies a substantial increase in international Muslim arrivals, which reached 196 million in 2025, marking an 11.3% rise year-over-year. Projections indicate a growth to 262 million arrivals by 2030, with annual expenditure expected to peak at USD 310 billion. This growth signifies not only an expanding market but also an evolving landscape where destinations are increasingly required to offer tailored services for Muslim travelers.
Analyzing the index’s ACES Framework reveals that factors like access, communication, environment, and services are critical in determining a destination’s attractiveness. Access covers essential aspects such as visa facilitation and flight connectivity, accounting for 10% of the score. Communication is paramount in digital outreach and marketing, making up 20%. The environment, which includes public safety and sustainability, contributes 30%, while services—focusing on Halal options and prayer facilities—account for the most considerable 40% weight in rankings.
Why It Matters
The findings of the GMTI 2026 report underscore several important considerations for the tourism industry. As the Muslim travel market becomes increasingly decentralized, destinations will need to adapt their offerings to appeal to a wider audience. The ongoing reliance on digital interfaces and AI tools for travel planning means that destinations must prioritize machine-readable information on Halal dining and services to stay competitive. Furthermore, geopolitical and economic dynamics, such as changes in fuel prices and airspace security, can significantly impact travel trends, prompting destinations to underscore their safety and accessibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI)?
The GMTI ranks destinations based on their appeal to Muslim travelers, evaluating multiple factors including access, communication, environment, and services relevant to the needs of this demographic.
Why did Indonesia rise in the GMTI rankings?
Indonesia improved its ranking due to various initiatives aimed at enhancing its tourism strategy, including investments in technology and infrastructure, as well as efforts to cater specifically to the needs of Muslim travelers.
How has Malaysia maintained its top position in the GMTI?
Malaysia has retained its top position by consistently improving its offerings for Muslim travelers, achieving a higher score this year through enhanced services and accessibility.
What challenges did the UAE face in the GMTI report?
The UAE’s drop in the rankings reflects challenges in maintaining appeal for Muslim travelers, evidenced by a loss of three points compared to the previous year.
