Oman keeps seventh place in Global Muslim Travel Index

MUSCAT: Oman has been ranked as the seventh most popular destination in the global Muslim travel market, according to the most comprehensive research released on this sector.

The MasterCard-Crescent Rating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2016, which covers 130 destinations, saw Oman maintain its position for the second consecutive year on the list of OIC destinations. Malaysia held on to its pole position followed by the UAE, Turkey, Indonesia and Qatar, which made up the top five. Indonesia jumped two places to take the fourth spot in this year’s ranking, with Bahrain becoming the biggest mover by climbing four spots to take the tenth position.

Tope five

Singapore also retained its pole position among non-OIC destinations, with Thailand, the United Kingdom, South Africa and Hong Kong making up the top five.

The study also revealed that in 2015, there were an estimated 117 million Muslim visitor arrivals globally, representing close to 10 per cent of the entire travel market. This number is forecast to grow to 168 million visitors by 2020 or 11 per cent of the market segment, with the market value projected to exceed US$200 billion.

“One of the biggest trends we are seeing is non-OIC destinations making a concerted effort to attract the Muslim tourists and they now represent over 63 per cent of the destinations covered in the GMTI. For example, Japan and Philippines have taken some major steps over the last few months to diversify their visitor arrivals and boost their economy in the process,” said Fazal Bahardeen, chief executive officer of Crescent Rating and Halal Trip.