Malaysia Named Top Muslim-Friendly Destination in Global Index for 2025
The award was presented during the 4th Halal in Travel Awards in Singapore, where Malaysia’s Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, accepted the recognition on behalf of the country, Malay Mail reported on Friday.
“This award reflects the collective efforts of our tourism stakeholders who continue to champion inclusivity, accessibility and excellence in hospitality,” Khairul Firdaus said during his acceptance speech.
The GMTI is produced by CrescentRating, which evaluates global destinations based on their ability to cater to Muslim travelers. Since the index began in 2015, Malaysia has consistently led the rankings, citing the country’s focus on infrastructure, services, and policies aligned with the needs of Muslim tourists.
Khairul Firdaus also highlighted the contribution of the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC), an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, which he credited with driving Malaysia’s tourism initiatives in this segment. Among the ITC’s key programs are the Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition (MFAR) and the Muslim-Friendly Tourist Guides (MFTG) certification.
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He emphasized that Malaysia’s hospitality approach is embedded in its national identity and tourism strategy, aiming to create an inclusive environment for all visitors.
Khairul Firdaus also acknowledged CrescentRating and Mastercard for their roles in advancing the Muslim travel sector through platforms like the Halal in Travel Global Summit.
Source: Agencies
