Global payments platform leader Mastercard and CrescentRating have launched the 11th edition of the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2026, highlighting how technology, digital transparency and regional connectivity are transforming the Muslim travel sector.
The report, which evaluates 150 destinations covering over 98 percent of global Muslim visitor arrivals, finds that 80 percent of travelers now use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to plan trips. Travelers are moving from basic research to AI-assisted decision-making, meaning destinations must not only offer Muslim-friendly facilities but also ensure these services are digitally visible and structured to be recognized by digital systems.
The index uses the ACES framework – Access, Communications, Environment and Services – and now places greater emphasis on AI readiness, digital infrastructure and traveler confidence. AI platforms now help travelers locate Halal food, prayer spaces and transport options, becoming a key part of how travelers verify faith-based requirements. Destinations that fail to digitize their offerings may no longer appear in AI recommendations, shifting competition from having services to making them algorithmically accessible.
Amid global uncertainty, travel demand remains resilient but behavior has changed. Rising costs and geopolitical tensions have led more travelers to choose closer, more predictable destinations within their own regions. Southeast Asia has emerged as a leading regional travel corridor, supported by strong connectivity and established tourism infrastructure.
In this year’s awards, Mindanao in the Philippines was named the Most Promising Muslim-friendly Region (Non-OIC), while Jawa Barat in Indonesia received the same recognition among OIC member countries.
Malaysia retained its position as the top Muslim-friendly destination for the 11th year in a row. Indonesia rose three places to tie for second position with Turkey and Saudi Arabia. Singapore leads non-OIC destinations at 11th place globally, followed by Hong Kong. Thailand, the Philippines, Japan and South Korea also showed positive growth in inclusive travel development.
To reflect the evolving industry, the report introduces the Destination Activation Stack, combining three frameworks to measure not just basic service availability, but also digital accessibility, traveler confidence and sustainable experiences. This provides destinations with a roadmap to adapt to changing traveler expectations and maintain market competitiveness.
