Unlocking High-Yield Potential: Muslim Travelers as a Premium Market at HIT Global Summit 2025

At the Halal in Travel Global Summit 2025 in Singapore, High-Yield Tourism led an important discussion on one of the most significant yet often overlooked growth segments in global travel today: the Muslim high-yield traveler. Understanding this segment is crucial for industry professionals, stakeholders, and potential investors.

Our co-founder, Gary Bowerman, moderated a session titled “Unlocking High-Yield Opportunities: The Muslim Traveler as a Premium Market Segment.” The panel included hospitality and tourism leaders from Asia, Africa, and Europe, all united by a common theme: Muslim travelers are not a niche market; they are a powerful and increasingly premium demographic.

The Numbers Speak: A Premium Market on the Rise

The Muslim market is gaining momentum. According to the 2025 Global Muslim Travel Index published by Mastercard and CrescentRating:

• In 2024, there were 176 million Muslim international arrivals.
• This number is projected to increase to 245 million by 2030.
• Total travel spending is forecasted to reach $230 billion by 2030.

This is not just growth; it represents a profound transformation. It is driven by digital fluency, multigenerational travel, and a rising demand for personalized experiences that align with Islamic values. This transformation should inspire all of us in the industry to adapt and innovate.

For us at High-Yield Tourism, this underscores a central tenet: the Muslim market isn’t only about scale; it’s about value alignment, purpose-driven travel, and long-term returns for destinations that engage with intention.

What High-Yield Muslim Tourism Really Means

At High-Yield Tourism, we define “high-yield” not just in terms of financial spending but also by the depth of connection, length of stay, and positive community impact.

Muslim travelers are increasingly seeking:

• Faith-Aligned Luxury: Where halal dining, prayer access, and culturally respectful service are not just available but thoughtfully delivered.
• Authenticity over Standardization: Experiences that reflect local culture and Islamic heritage.
• Deeper Engagement: Particularly among younger, digitally native travelers and multigenerational families.

This traveler profile, when served well, not only brings economic value but also fosters brand advocacy and repeat visitation. It presents a promising future when we get it right, and that future is within our reach.

Global Voices on a Shared Opportunity

Gary’s panel featured three leaders shaping the future of halal-friendly and high-yield experiences:

• Abdullah A. Basalamah, CEO of Far East Hospitality
• Sadiq Dindar, Chief Experience Officer of Tingana Collection
• Marta Fernández Martín, Deputy Director of the Spain Tourism Board

Their contributions were filled with practical insights:

• Experience-First Design: Sadiq emphasized that Muslim travelers seek emotional resonance, not just excellent service. The opportunity lies in crafting experiences that connect faith, family, and self-discovery.
• Inclusive Luxury: Marta discussed how Spain is integrating Islamic heritage—especially in Andalusia—into a broader luxury narrative. It’s not about creating something new but reframing existing assets through an inclusive cultural lens.
• Operational Excellence: Abdullah pointed out that halal travel readiness is not merely a product feature; it’s a strategic operational mindset that enhances business performance and loyalty.

Beyond Stereotypes: Serving with Nuance

One of the key messages we reinforced during the session was the need to move beyond outdated assumptions. Muslim travelers are not a monolith; they come from diverse geographies, generations, and cultural backgrounds.

Serving them effectively requires investments in:

• Staff training and cultural literacy
• Localized product development
• Personalization rather than generalization

Success in this market demands listening, learning, and designing with intention.

Strategic Growth Starts with Segmentation

Why does this matter for destination strategy and tourism resilience? Because Muslim travelers:

• Stay longer
• Spend purposefully
• Travel in family groups
• Support local halal-certified businesses
• Seek immersive cultural, heritage, and wellness experiences

These characteristics are hallmarks of high-yield travel—the very type of visitation we advocate for at High-Yield Tourism. It is more sustainable, more profitable, and better aligned with community benefits.

A Future-Ready Vision

This session was more than just a panel; it was a declaration. Muslim travelers are already shaping the future of tourism. The critical question is whether destinations will adapt quickly enough to meet them where they are—and where they are headed.

As we concluded, “Tourism can no longer focus solely on numbers. It must revolve around connection, contribution, and co-creation between traveler and destination.”

That’s the future we’re building, and we’re excited to partner with you on this journey.