Indonesia has returned to the top tier of the Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2026, climbing to a joint-second place ranking alongside Saudi Arabia and Turkey. The nation secured 79 points in the latest index, a three-point increase that marks a recovery from its fifth-place finish in 2025. Malaysia remains the global leader with a score of 83, according to the report.
The Shift in Global Muslim Travel Rankings
The 2026 GMTI report indicates that the global Muslim travel market is experiencing significant growth, with international Muslim arrivals reaching 196 million in 2025—an 11.3% year-on-year increase. Analysts project this segment will expand to 262 million arrivals by 2030, with annual expenditures expected to hit USD 310 billion.
While Indonesia regained momentum, other nations saw mixed results. The United Arab Emirates dropped four spots to sixth place after losing three points, while Bahrain recorded the largest gain in the index, jumping five spots to share seventh place. The top ten is rounded out by Iran and Kuwait, tied for seventh, and Oman in tenth.
Did you know? The GMTI uses the ACES Framework to evaluate destinations. The “Services” pillar, which includes Halal dining and prayer facilities, carries the highest weight at 40%, followed by “Environment” at 30%, “Communication” at 20%, and “Access” at 10%.
Indonesia’s Strategic Recovery
Indonesia’s climb back to second place follows a period of aggressive investment from other Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) members. To reclaim its position, Indonesia implemented targeted infrastructure and digital upgrades. The Ministry of Tourism launched “MaiA,” an artificial intelligence platform aimed at travelers under 40, who now make up nearly 70% of the market. This tool generates personalized itineraries that prioritize faith-friendly services.
Physical infrastructure also received a boost. The implementation of e-visas and automated biometric gates at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport has reduced wait times for international arrivals. Additionally, the Indonesia Sharia Economic Festival has scaled its impact, with recent events drawing 444,000 attendees to promote Halal culinary integration and sharia-compliant business practices.
The Rise of AI and Digital-First Travel
A key finding in the GMTI 2026 is the decline of concentrated travel markets. The top 30 outbound source markets previously held 88% of the total share, but that figure dropped to 77% by 2026. This decentralization forces destinations to compete more aggressively for a diverse, global traveler base.
Travelers are increasingly using AI and digital platforms rather than traditional web searches to organize trips. Consequently, destinations must now ensure that data regarding Halal dining, prayer spaces, and lodging is machine-readable. Without this, these amenities may not appear in the automated recommendation systems that modern travelers rely on to plan their journeys.
Pro Tip: If you are planning travel, look for destinations that provide digital-first information on prayer facilities and Halal food. These regions are increasingly prioritizing AI-readiness to serve international Muslim travelers more efficiently.
Future Outlook: Proximity and Security
Geopolitical and economic volatility, including fluctuations in fuel prices and airspace restrictions, have altered decision-making processes. According to the report, travelers are placing higher value on proximity and safety. Destinations that actively communicate their security credentials and streamline their entry processes are gaining a competitive advantage in this shifting environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ACES Framework?
The ACES Framework is a scoring system used by the GMTI to evaluate travel destinations. It covers four pillars: Access (10%), Communication (20%), Environment (30%), and Services (40%).
Why did Indonesia’s ranking improve in 2026?
Indonesia’s recovery was driven by the launch of an AI-powered travel platform, the adoption of biometric airport gates, and the scaling of the Indonesia Sharia Economic Festival.
How is the Muslim travel market changing?
The market is becoming less concentrated, meaning travelers are visiting a wider variety of destinations. Additionally, travelers are increasingly using AI tools to plan trips, making digital data availability for Halal services essential for tourism boards.
Are you planning your next trip based on these trends? Share your experiences in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on global travel market shifts.
Keep reading