Malaysia tops Global Muslim Travel Index for 10th time!

SINGAPORE, 13 June 2025 – Malaysia has once again been named the world’s top Muslim-friendly travel destination by CrescentRating’s Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI). This is the tenth year in a row that Malaysia has taken the number one spot.

The award was given at the 4th Halal in Travel Awards held in Singapore. Malaysia’s Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan accepted the award on behalf of the country. He thanked everyone involved, both government and private sector, for helping make Malaysia such a welcoming place for Muslim travellers.

“This remarkable achievement truly reflects the concerted efforts of stakeholders from both the public and private spheres, all of whom have strived to provide exceptional Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality (MFTH) products and services,” he stated.

According to the GMTI 2025 report, Malaysia earned high marks thanks to its:

• Easy access to halal food

• Plenty of prayer spaces

• Many Muslim-friendly hotels and accommodations

• Safe and welcoming environment, especially for Muslim women

Malaysia’s final score was 79, a three-point increase from last year, making it the leader among 153 destinations worldwide.

Malaysia’s success also comes from strong government support, reliable halal certification, and clear guidelines that make Muslim-friendly services consistent and trustworthy. The Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) plays a big role in supporting businesses and setting high standards in the sector.

Khairul added that the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), through ITC, will keep working closely with tourism businesses to make sure Malaysia stays a top choice for Muslim travellers from around the world.

To keep improving, ITC runs two key programmes:

• MFAR (Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition) – for businesses like hotels and travel agents

• MFTG (Muslim-Friendly Tourist Guide programme) – for tourist guides

So far, 56 businesses have been recognised under MFAR, and 307 guides across Malaysia have been trained under MFTG. These efforts help ensure a smoother, more comfortable travel experience for Muslim tourists.

In 2024, it signed agreements with international partners from countries like Indonesia, the Kyrgyz Republic, Russia, and Uzbekistan. These partnerships show how Malaysia is ready to help other countries build their own Muslim-friendly tourism sectors too.

This success fits into Malaysia’s MADANI vision, a plan for sustainable, inclusive, and caring development. By focusing on cultural respect, unity, and growth for all, Malaysia continues to lead the way in building a more inclusive and thoughtful travel industry.