Ministry targets 262 million global Muslim tourist trips by 2030

Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism is strategically prioritizing the development of Muslim-friendly tourism as a key initiative to enhance the national tourism sector's competitiveness. This focus aims to capture the substantial potential of the global Muslim traveler market, which is forecast to generate 262 million trips by the year 2030.

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One of the focuses of diversification to increase the strengthening of tourism competitiveness and national economic development is Muslim-friendly tourism.

Masruroh, a Special Advisor for Digital Transformation and Tourism Innovation at the Ministry, highlighted that developing Muslim-friendly tourism is a core component of the National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN). This diversification strategy is designed to strengthen the nation's tourism competitiveness and foster economic growth. The projected increase in global Muslim travel presents a significant opportunity that Indonesia intends to leverage.

According to the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI), the anticipated surge in Muslim travelers underscores the growing importance of this demographic. Masruroh clarified that the concept of Muslim-friendly tourism does not involve transforming destinations into religious sites or imposing religious restrictions. Instead, it centers on offering extended services related to amenities, attractions, and accessibility to cater to the needs of Muslim tourists.

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Muslim-friendly tourism is not about making destinations halal, but about providing extended services related to amenities, attractions, and accessibility to meet the needs of Muslim tourists.

These services include facilitating access to prayer spaces, ablution facilities, and ensuring the availability of halal food options. The goal is to enable Muslim travelers to enjoy their journeys without compromising their religious obligations. Masruroh also pointed to the significant global halal consumption market, valued at approximately $2.6 trillion in 2024, with Muslim-friendly tourism contributing about 11.2 percent, indicating the integration of halal lifestyles into the global economy. With the global Muslim population expected to reach 2.2 billion in 2026 and a large percentage being under 40, Indonesia, home to a significant Muslim population, is well-positioned to become a major player in this market.

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Muslim tourists want to enjoy their travels like other tourists without neglecting their religious obligations.