Thailand ranks 32nd globally for Muslim travel
Thailand secured the 32nd spot globally among popular destinations for Muslim travellers, as revealed in the Mastercard-Crescent Rating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2024. The Thai Prime Minister’s Office, through its spokesperson Chai Watcharong, highlighted this achievement, noting that Thailand also ranks 5th among non-Muslim countries (Non-OIC) in the same index.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is leveraging this accomplishment to boost tourism, aiming to attract more Muslim visitors by accelerating plans to host events and activities specifically for this demographic. Chai Watcharong shared that the prime minister is keen on positioning Thailand as a hub for halal industries, encompassing food, tourism, fashion, and soft power.
“The prime minister is delighted with the GMTI ranking and has instructed relevant agencies to organise more tourism events targeting the Muslim market.”
The Muslim travel market is poised for substantial growth in 2024, with projections estimating 168 million Muslim travellers worldwide, marking a 5% increase from pre-Covid-19 levels. Chai emphasised that Thailand is viewed as a beautiful country that leads in the halal food and product industry. The presence of diverse Muslim communities within the country makes it a welcoming destination for Muslim tourists, reported Pattaya News.
“Thailand is considered a pioneer in the halal food and product industry. Our diverse Muslim communities provide a friendly environment for Muslim tourists.”
In related news, to elevate Thailand to the zenith of the GMTI, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) teamed up with key figures like Imam Mathanarat Vacharapisut from the Haroon Mosque and the Islamic Committee of Bangkok to revolutionise cultural tourism for Muslim travellers.
In other news, Thailand and Saudi Arabia’s reestablishment of diplomatic ties in 2022, after a three-decade hiatus, has presented the Land of Smiles with fresh avenues to capitalise on its halal products’ demand in the Middle Eastern markets. The global Muslim population, approximately 2 billion, is projected to constitute 25% of the total populace by 2030.
