Mastercard and CrescentRating have released a new report titled Proof Wins: The Convergence of Sports, Travel, and Faith, outlining the fast-growing economic potential of Muslim-friendly sports tourism worldwide. The study projects the market could expand from roughly US$11 billion in 2025 to US$17 billion by 2030, and rise further to US$21 billion if destinations and event organizers clearly deliver and communicate faith-aligned services throughout the travel experience.
Muslim international arrivals are set to grow from 186 million this year to 245 million by 2030, yet only about 6 percent of these trips currently include attending a sports event—pointing to a large untapped market. Key barriers to higher participation are lack of clear, trusted information about Halal food, prayer facilities, transport, safety, and secure payments. When these details are easy to find during planning and consistently available on the ground, attendance and spending rise sharply, especially among young, digitally connected travelers who often travel in groups.
Social media is the top channel for discovering sports events, but interest turns into bookings only when reliable details and official links follow quickly. Southeast Asia is highlighted as a rising hub for major sports, well-placed to capture this demand by integrating Muslim-friendly features into event design and promotion. Leaders from both firms emphasized that demand is strong, but confidence—built through transparency and consistent service—is what unlocks the sector’s full economic value.
