Malaysia has been named the world’s greatest vacation spot for Muslim travellers in 2026, holding on to its long-held lead as countries throughout Asia, Europe and the Middle East step up efforts to draw the quickly rising halal travel market.
The nation topped the Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index with 83 factors, adopted by Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and Turkey in joint second place. Qatar ranked fifth, whereas Bahrain, Iran and Kuwait shared seventh place.
The examine assessed 150 locations throughout greater than 60 information units, every part from visas and flight connections to security, halal eating, prayer services, airports, accommodations and restrictions affecting non secular follow.
Researchers stated worldwide Muslim arrivals are anticipated to succeed in 208 million this yr and 262 million by 2030, producing an estimated $310 billion in annual spending. That progress is being pushed by a younger, more and more well-travelled market, with round 70 per cent of the worldwide Muslim inhabitants beneath 40.
Indonesia made the most important transfer close to the highest, climbing three locations to share second place. The report credited its rise to stronger halal certification, nearer collaboration between tourism our bodies and native companies, main trade occasions and clearer promotion of Muslim-friendly companies.
Saudi Arabia retained joint second place, supported by its place as the house of the Islamic holy websites of Makkah and Madinah alongside simpler e-visas, increasing air hyperlinks and main funding in transport and accommodations. Qatar additionally remained among the many main locations.
Outside Muslim-majority countries, Singapore got here in first, adopted by Hong Kong, which rose to second after a concerted push to draw Muslim guests.
The metropolis now has greater than 60 Muslim-friendly accommodations and near 220 halal-certified eating places, alongside devoted customer campaigns and improved prayer and ablution services at main transport hubs.