The fifth edition of the Halal In Travel Global Summit (HITGS) convened from June 10-12, 2025, bringing together stakeholders from more than 40 nations in a hybrid conference format. This year’s summit underscored the rapidly growing demand for travel experiences that align with Muslim values, with research revealing that over 80% of Muslim travelers prioritize destinations offering genuine cultural experiences, digital accessibility, and environmental responsibility.

Core Themes Driving Industry Evolution

• Technology-Enhanced Personalization

The summit emphasized how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing travel planning for Muslim tourists. Advanced AI systems are now capable of creating culturally appropriate travel itineraries with customized recommendations that respect Islamic principles and preferences.

• Sustainable Tourism Integration

Environmental consciousness has become integral to halal travel planning. The summit explored strategies for ensuring that Muslim-friendly tourism aligns with global sustainability objectives and ethical travel practices.

• Luxury Market Expansion

Industry leaders discussed the development of premium travel experiences designed to meet the sophisticated expectations of wealthy Muslim travelers, reflecting the segment’s growing purchasing power and evolving preferences.

• The RIDA Framework Implementation

A significant focus was placed on implementing the RIDA model—emphasizing Responsible, Immersive, Digital, and Assured travel experiences—as a blueprint for destinations seeking to future-proof their Muslim tourism offerings.

Event Structure and Participation

The three-day conference combined two virtual sessions with one in-person gathering at Singapore’s Village Hotel Katong. Participants included representatives from tourism boards, hospitality companies, technology innovators, and government agencies, all working toward advancing inclusive travel solutions.

Key supporting organizations included Turespaña and Salam Taiwan as primary sponsors, with TTG Asia serving as the media partner for the event.

Notable Panel Discussions and Insights

• Destination Development Strategies

Under the moderation of Shafa Dewi Nugroho, industry experts Dr. Barkathunnisha Abu Bakar, Dr. Nurhafihz Noor, and Tawfiq Ikhtianto presented comprehensive approaches to implementing CrescentRating’s RIDA framework for sustainable destination development.

• Environmental Responsibility in Muslim Tourism

Sustainability advocates Taufan Rahmadi, Saeeda Ahmed, and Jack Sim led discussions on integrating climate-conscious practices into halal tourism operations, demonstrating how the industry can contribute to global environmental goals.

• Hong Kong’s Muslim-Friendly Initiative

Raudha Zaini moderated a panel titled “Diversifying for Resilience: Hong Kong’s Muslim-Friendly Transformation,” featuring innovative approaches by The Mira Hong Kong, Kowloon Shangri-La, and Ocean Park Hong Kong in developing Muslim-accommodating infrastructure.

• Luxury Travel Market Analysis

Industry analysts Gary Bowerman and Marta Fernández Martín examined how premium service offerings and experiential marketing are being redesigned to attract affluent Muslim travelers.

Global Muslim Travel Index 2025 Unveiling

The summit’s centerpiece was the launch of the tenth edition of the Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI 2025), presented by Aisha Islam, Senior Vice President at Mastercard, and Fazal Bahardeen, CEO of CrescentRating & HalalTrip.

Enhanced Assessment Features

The 2025 index introduced several groundbreaking evaluation criteria:

• Women-Focused Rankings: A dedicated Top 10 Muslim Women-Friendly Destinations Index recognizing the increasing influence of female Muslim travelers in destination selection.
• Accessibility Measurements: New scoring systems evaluate facilities and services for travelers with physical disabilities, expanding inclusivity beyond religious considerations.
• Real-Time Market Intelligence: Enhanced sentiment analysis through HalalTrip’s Travel Intent Tracker provides immediate insights into changing traveler preferences and behaviors.
• Comprehensive RIDA Assessment: Upgraded evaluation framework with strengthened emphasis on environmental stewardship and digital infrastructure readiness.

Emerging Travel Preferences and Market Trends

Current research indicates that Muslim travelers increasingly seek immersive cultural encounters, comprehensive inclusive infrastructure, and authentic connections with local communities. These preferences reflect a shift toward more meaningful and experiential travel.

Reliability and digital accessibility continue to be fundamental factors in destination selection, with travelers expecting seamless online experiences and trustworthy service providers.

Environmental responsibility and quality assurance have transitioned from desirable features to mandatory requirements in Muslim-friendly travel planning, indicating the segment’s growing environmental consciousness.

Industry Impact and Future Outlook

Over its decade-long history, the Global Muslim Travel Index has established itself as an essential resource for destinations, government officials, and service providers seeking to align their tourism strategies with the expanding global Muslim travel market. The segment has demonstrated remarkable resilience and continues to grow in influence, representing a significant opportunity for the broader tourism industry to embrace inclusive, values-based travel experiences.

Original Article:

Syed, N. (2025, August 3). Halal In Travel Global Summit 2025: A new era for Muslim travel. British Muslim Magazine. https://www.britishmuslim-magazine.com/2025/07/halal-in-travel-global-summit-2025-a-new-era-for-muslim-travel/