Are You Overlooking a $220 Billion Market?


Skift Take

The global Muslim travel market, which will soon be worth more than $200 billion, is fast becoming an ever more attractive sector, especially for travel technology players. Here's why.

By 2020, the global Muslim travel market is expected to be worth $220 billion, with the number of travelers rising to 158 million from 131 million in 2017, according to Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index 2018. With that kind of size, it can hardly be labeled as “niche.” Within the broader halal market is a subset, Umrah travel, comprised of Muslims who wish to visit Saudi Arabia outside the Hajj period. Though non-compulsory, the religion encourages it — hence the millions who want to go, at least once in their lifetime. This market is becoming exciting for Asia and beyond. On the one hand Saudi Arabia is building hotels, expanding airports, and creating world-class attractions to draw 30 mi