Macau’s annual travel show, MITE 2025, highlighted the growing importance of catering to Muslim travelers during the CrescentRating Certified: Muslim-Friendly Hotel Grading Seminar, held on April 25. The seminar focused on understanding Muslim travelers’ needs and the potential of halal tourism.
Daniswara Nugroho, the head of business development at CrescentRating, a Singapore-based organization specializing in halal travel, presented key insights. He pointed out that Macau is conveniently located for a large portion of the global Muslim population. Over 30% of the world’s Muslims live within a six-hour flight of Macau, while 60% are within a 10-hour radius.
Moreover, Daniswara noted that 70% of Muslims globally are under 40 years old. This age group, he explained, is typically active in the workforce, financially independent, and has significant disposable income. He added, “This demographic will remain steady over the next decade, ensuring that the opportunity to attract Muslim travelers will continue for a long time.”
Daniswara outlined three main categories for Muslim traveler needs: Need to Have, Good to Have, and Nice to Have. The “Need to Have” category includes essential services like halal food, prayer facilities, and water-friendly washrooms. “Good to Have” features services such as Ramadan fasting support, local Muslim cultural experiences, and social impact activities. The “Nice to Have” category includes the absence of non-halal activities and private recreational spaces, which are often preferred by more conservative Muslims.
Daniswara reassured Macau’s tourism stakeholders, emphasizing that the level of halal tourism implementation varies by destination. For emerging halal destinations like Macau, he said, meeting basic faith-based needs is a crucial first step.
Research from CrescentRating highlights that Muslim travelers prioritize faith-based services at hotels and transport hubs. Daniswara encouraged Macau’s businesses in these areas to focus on enhancing the city’s readiness for halal tourism.
Jocelyn Wong, Chairman of the Macao Hotel Association, also spoke at the seminar. She shared that the Macao Government Tourism Office has been working to prepare for Muslim tourism by introducing initiatives such as Islamic culture workshops and training seminars. These efforts, she explained, align with Macau’s broader goals of economic diversification and sustainable tourism development.
Wong further emphasized that the introduction of CrescentRating’s halal tourism certification in Macau will provide hotels with clear standards, addressing Muslim travelers’ needs, from halal dining to prayer spaces and cultural training for staff.
“This initiative sends a strong message to the world that Macau respects, embraces, and celebrates cultural diversity,” Wong concluded.
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