KUALA LUMPUR 21 Nov – Malaysia’s reputation as a global leader in halal tourism is stronger than ever. As the world recovers from the pandemic, Malaysia has not only maintained its position but also emerged as a trailblazer in redefining Muslim-friendly travel.
In an interview with DagangNews.com, Fazal Bahardeen, CEO of CrescentRating and HalalTrip, highlighted Malaysia’s pivotal role in driving the halal tourism sector forward, leveraging its cultural richness, cutting-edge infrastructure, and commitment to sustainability.
Singapore-based, CrescentRating is widely recognized as the world's leading authority on halal travel and tourism. Founded in 2008, the organization has played a pivotal role in shaping and promoting halal tourism globally.
Malaysia at the Forefront
Fazal emphasized that Malaysia is a benchmark for halal tourism globally. “Malaysia has long set the gold standard for Muslim-friendly tourism, offering comprehensive facilities, faith-compliant services, and an unmatched cultural experience.
Moving forward, the country can strengthen its leadership through enhanced digital engagement and sustainability initiatives,” he said.
According to Fazal, Malaysia’s recognition as a joint top destination in the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2024 underscores its appeal to Muslim travelers.
The country’s rich cultural diversity and dedication to serving the needs of the Muslim travel community make it a standout destination in the region.
Post-Pandemic Growth and Trends
The halal tourism industry has shown remarkable resilience in the post-COVID era, with Muslim international arrivals expected to exceed pre-pandemic levels, reaching over 170 million in 2024.
Fazal attributed this rebound to evolving traveler preferences, including a growing focus on sustainability and ethical tourism.
“Muslim travelers are increasingly seeking destinations that align with their values, such as eco-tourism and wellness tourism,” he noted.
Malaysia’s ability to adapt to these preferences positions it well for sustained growth.
Pioneering Sustainability with the RIDA Framework
To support emerging trends, CrescentRating introduced the RIDA framework—Responsible, Inclusive, Digital, and Assured tourism.
Fazal believes this approach can help Malaysia and other destinations remain competitive by embedding sustainability, inclusivity, and digital innovation into their tourism strategies.
“By embracing the RIDA framework, Malaysia can continue to meet the expectations of modern Muslim travelers while fostering long-term growth,” Fazal said.
The Southeast Asia Advantage
Fazal highlighted the potential for Southeast Asia to emerge as a leading halal tourism hub, driven by Malaysia’s leadership and regional collaborations.
“Malaysia and Indonesia’s joint top rankings in the GMTI 2024, combined with the growing prominence of Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines as Muslim-friendly destinations, present an opportunity for Southeast Asia to promote multi-destination packages,” he explained.
Fazal suggested that seamless visa policies, aligned marketing campaigns, and integrated travel experiences could position the region as the preferred choice for Muslim travelers.
Opportunities and Challenges
Looking ahead to 2025, Fazal sees strong growth potential in niche markets such as Muslim-friendly eco-tourism, digital tourism experiences, and wellness retreats.
Malaysia, with its well-established infrastructure, is well-equipped to capitalize on these opportunities.
However, he cautioned that challenges remain, particularly in marketing and cultural training. “While Malaysia has excelled in offering Muslim-friendly services, continued investment in digital platforms and training for hospitality staff will be essential to maintain its leadership,” he said.
Technology and Innovation Driving Change
Fazal emphasized the transformative role of technology in halal tourism.
From AI-driven personalization to virtual experiences, digital tools are reshaping how Muslim travelers plan and experience their journeys.
“HalalTrip, for instance, is evolving to provide deeper engagement and personalized content for Muslim travelers,” Fazal shared, adding that such innovations will play a crucial role in the next phase of growth.
Malaysia’s Road Ahead
As the halal tourism landscape evolves, Malaysia continues to set the standard for excellence. Fazal praised the country's proactive approach, emphasizing the importance of innovation.
“Invest in infrastructure, embrace sustainability, and maintain cultural inclusivity. These elements resonate strongly with today’s Muslim travelers,” he advised.
With its proven track record, strategic vision, and adaptability to emerging trends, Malaysia is well-positioned to lead halal tourism into a transformative era.
CrescentRating and HalalTrip play a pivotal role in this journey, guiding Malaysia and the region to thrive as global leaders.
Their focus on evolving consumer preferences and technological advancements ensures a more inclusive and sustainable future for the industry. - DagangNews.com
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