MARSHARD BARRY
COLOMBO : Muslim Friendly tourism or Halal Tourism is indeed emerging as one of the fastest-growing segments in the global travel industry, projected to reach $410 billion by 2032. With international Muslim tourist arrivals expected to hit 230 million by 2028, destinations worldwide are enhancing their offerings to meet the unique needs of Muslim travellers.
Muslim Friendly tourism—also known as halal-friendly tourism—caters to Muslim travellers by providing services aligned with Islamic principles which includes, Halal-certified dining options, Prayer facilities in hotels, airports, attractions, Alcohol- and gambling-free environments, Family-friendly and private travel arrangements The sector is expanding rapidly, driven by demand for inclusive, culturally respectful travel experiences.
One of the key Destinations for Halal Tourism is Malaysia, which is widely regarded as the leader in halal tourism, with extensive halal-certified hotels, restaurants, and attractions also Indonesia where the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, offering diverse halal-certified facilities and rich Islamic heritage sites and also Turkey gives a blend of history and culture, increasingly popular for its halal-friendly accommodations and services.
Trends Driving Future Growth of this segment according to the Mastercard -Crescent Rating Global Muslim Travel Index 2025, international Muslim travellers numbered 176 million in 2024, with projections to surpass 240 million by 2030. Key trends include: Smart travel tools for locating halal services, Digital platforms for seamless halal-friendly bookings, Wellness and inclusivity integrated into travel experiences. Islamic Friendly tourism is no longer a niche—it is becoming a mainstream force shaping the future of global travel.
Islamic Friendly Tours in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is increasingly recognized as a Muslim -friendly destination, offering tailored tours that respect Islamic values specially attracting the Malaysian Travellers. Malaysia is concern around 25 to 27 million international visitors travel to Malaysia each year. Having projected population of Malaysia in 2026 is to be approximately 36 million. Approximately 35% of Malaysian travellers went out of the country for overnight holiday trips, with 69% planning to travel abroad.
The most popular destinations included Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Japan, and South Korea and in this regard Sri Lanka will become key potential destination improving the key features such as Muslim Friendly Dining (Halal): Meals prepared according to Islamic dietary laws, with certified halal meat. Prayer Facilities: Access to mosques or designated prayer areas during tours. Accommodation: Hotels providing halal food options, prayer mats, and Qibla direction indicators. Private Travel Arrangements: Comfortable, Islamic Friendly -compliant transportation options. Customized Itineraries: Flexible tours designed for families, solo travellers, or groups, ensuring privacy and cultural sensitivity. From those destinations travellers are advised to choose certified halal-friendly services to ensure peace of mind and an enriching experience that aligns with their values.
(Writer is the President of Sri Lanka Malaysia Business Council.)
