Uniting leaders, innovators, and changemakers to advance inclusive, responsible Halal tourism.
The 5th edition of the Halal In Travel Global Summit (HITGS) took place from 10–12 June 2025, uniting participants from over 40 countries in a hybrid format. The Summit highlighted the surging demand for inclusive, values-driven travel, with a remarkable 80%+ of Muslim travellers placing importance on destinations that offer authentic experiences, digital convenience, and sustainability.
Shaping Tomorrow’s Muslim Travel Landscape
HITGS 2025 emphasised the urgent need for deeper collaboration across the travel industry to meet the shifting preferences of Muslim travellers. The Summit explored four core themes:
- AI-enabled Personalisation: Harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to curate culturally sensitive itineraries with tailored recommendations.
- Embedding Sustainability: Ensuring halal travel aligns with global environmental and ethical goals.
- Enhancing Premium Experiences: Designing high-end journeys that reflect the evolving expectations of affluent Muslim travellers.
- Applying the RIDA Framework: Future-proofing destinations through a focus on Responsible, Immersive, Digital, and Assured experiences.
Across three dynamic days—two virtual and one in-person in Singapore’s Village Hotel Katong—HITGS welcomed tourism boards, hospitality brands, tech innovators, and government leaders.
Supporting the event were Turespaña and Salam Taiwan as strategic sponsors, alongside media partner TTG Asia.
Summit Highlights
Moderated by Shafa Dewi Nugroho, panellists Dr Barkathunnisha Abu Bakar, Dr Nurhafihz Noor, and Tawfiq Ikhtianto expanded on CrescentRating’s RIDA model, offering strategies to future-proof destinations.
Champions of sustainability—Taufan Rahmadi, Saeeda Ahmed, and Jack Sim—discussed how halal tourism can contribute to ethical, climate-responsible travel.
The panel “Diversifying for Resilience: Hong Kong’s Muslim‑Friendly Transformation”—moderated by Raudha Zaini—showcased pioneering efforts by The Mira Hong Kong, Kowloon Shangri-La, and Ocean Park Hong Kong in elevating Muslim-friendly infrastructure.
Speakers including Gary Bowerman and Marta Fernández Martín examined how luxury and experience-driven services are reshaping marketing and service design for affluent Muslim travellers.
Launch of GMTI 2025
A highlight of HITGS 2025 was the unveiling of the 10th edition of the Mastercard‑CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI 2025), introduced by Aisha Islam (SVP, Mastercard) and Fazal Bahardeen (CEO, CrescentRating & HalalTrip).
New features introduced in GMTI 2025 include:
- Top 10 Muslim Women‑Friendly Destinations Index – spotlighting the growing influence of Muslim women in travel.
- Accessible Travel Score – assessing facilities for travellers with physical accessibility needs.
- Expanded Sentiment Insights – real-time tracking of traveller preferences via HalalTrip’s Travel Intent Tracker.
- Enhanced RIDA Evaluation – deeper focus on environmental responsibility and digital readiness.
- Muslim travellers prioritise immersive cultural experiences, inclusive infrastructure, and genuine local connections.
- Trust and digital accessibility remain central in destination choice.
- Sustainability and assurance have evolved from optional to essential components of Muslim-friendly travel.
Over a decade, GMTI has become an indispensable reference for destinations, policymakers, and service providers dedicated to aligning their tourism strategies with the flourishing global Muslim travel segment—now more resilient and influential than ever.
Natasha Syed is the dynamic Editor-in-Chief of British Muslim Magazine, the UK’s premium Travel & Lifestyle publication catering to Muslim audiences. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for celebrating diverse cultures, she leads the magazine in curating inspiring content that bridges heritage, modern luxury, and faith-driven experiences.
Under her leadership, British Muslim Magazine continues to set the standard for authentic, and engaging trusted narratives, making it the go-to source for Muslim traveler's and lifestyle enthusiasts across the UK and beyond.
