Singapore, 11th February 2026 – At the National Association of Travel Agents Singapore (NATAS) Connect event, CrescentRating's Director of Partnership and Projects, Raudha Zaini, shared invaluable insights on the growth and future of the Muslim travel market. As one of the keynote speakers, Raudha focused on the topic "What’s Next for the Muslim Travel Market and How the Industry Can Stay Relevant," aimed at enhancing industry professionals' understanding of Muslim travelers’ unique needs.
The session provided a platform for networking among NATAS members while diving deep into the opportunities within the Muslim travel market.
Raudha Zaini shared that the Muslim travel market continues to see significant growth, with over 176 million Muslim international trips recorded in 2024 alone. Projections for the next five years suggest more than 1 billion trips and $1 trillion USD in expenditure, positioning Muslim travelers as one of the most influential groups in global tourism.
By 2030, it is estimated that one in seven international travelers will be Muslim, highlighting the importance for the travel industry to not only cater to this market but also to actively define how to serve it.
The industry is seeing a significant rise in independent and conscious journeys, driven largely by Millennials and Gen Z. This younger demographic is looking beyond traditional sightseeing, seeking a deeper sense of purpose where the "why" and "how" of travel are as vital as the destination.
To stay relevant, CrescentRating identifies five key "Booking Proof Points" that influence travel decisions:
Halal dining and certified food services.
Prayer facilities (Salath).
Water-friendly washrooms.
Private recreation options.
Staff awareness and cultural sensitivity.
Singapore’s strategic rise as a Muslim-friendly destination was a significant topic during the session. Alongside other Non-OIC destinations such as the UK, Thailand, and the Philippines, the country has been steadily recognized for its service excellence, good infrastructure, and growing Halal dining options. Raudha also highlighted the importance of official certifications, which provide guests with the peace of mind necessary to travel comfortably.
Against this backdrop, NATAS plays a pivotal role in maintaining Singapore’s status as a leading non-OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) destination for Muslim travelers. As the primary representative body for the travel agency community, NATAS is instrumental in:
Setting Industry Standards: Upholding high levels of professionalism and ethical conduct among its over 300 members, ensuring a "vetted marketplace" for travelers.
Education and Training: Through its subsidiary, the Tourism Management Institute of Singapore (TMIS), NATAS spearheads cultural sensitivity and specialized tourism training, which is crucial for infrastructure excellence.
Strategic Networking: Events like NATAS Connect serve as vital platforms for dialogue between tourism boards, agencies, and faith-based experts like CrescentRating to align on emerging trends such as "Green Halal Tourism".
Major Consumer Reach: NATAS’ bi-annual travel fairs attract over 100,000 visitors, providing a massive stage for members to showcase verified Muslim-friendly itineraries to a global audience.
The session concluded with a powerful reminder that the modern Muslim traveler no longer views faith-based needs and leisure as separate entities. As Raudha said in the session, “Faith and enjoyment are no longer opposites; they’re expectations.”
With the industry moving forward, success will be defined by those who move beyond general promises to provide tangible "proof" of inclusion. For NATAS members, the opportunity lies in catering to diverse segments—from the Digitally Native Young Adults booking via TikTok to the Faith-Guided Active Seniors traveling with extended families—ensuring that every journey is as purposeful as it is seamless.
