MALAYSIA, 22 June – Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the way Muslim travelers plan and experience their journeys, according to the 11th edition of the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2026 released by Mastercard and CrescentRating. The report reveals that 80% of travelers now use AI-powered tools to discover destinations, compare travel options, locate Halal-friendly services and personalize their itineraries, marking a significant shift toward digitally assisted travel planning and decision-making.

The GMTI 2026 evaluates 150 destinations representing more than 98% of global Muslim visitor arrivals using the ACES framework, which measures Access, Communications, Environment and Services. This year's report places greater emphasis on AI readiness, digital visibility, smart destination infrastructure, traveler confidence and resilience, reflecting the growing importance of technology in shaping future tourism experiences.

According to the report, AI is no longer viewed simply as a convenience but as a trusted travel companion. Intelligent travel platforms now help Muslim travelers locate Halal restaurants, nearby prayer facilities, transportation options and personalized recommendations with greater accuracy. As AI-powered search becomes increasingly influential, destinations that fail to digitize and make their Muslim-friendly offerings easily discoverable risk losing visibility in AI-driven recommendation systems despite having quality physical infrastructure.

The report also highlights changing travel patterns amid global economic and geopolitical uncertainties. Rising fuel prices, airspace disruptions and security concerns are encouraging more travelers to choose destinations closer to home rather than long-haul journeys. Southeast Asia has emerged as one of the strongest regional travel corridors, supported by excellent connectivity, established Halal ecosystems and strong cultural appeal for Muslim travelers.

Malaysia once again reinforced its global leadership by retaining the title of the world's top Muslim-friendly destination for the eleventh consecutive year with a score of 83. Indonesia climbed to share second place alongside Türkiye and Saudi Arabia, while Singapore remained the highest-ranked non-OIC destination. Other Asian destinations including Hong Kong, Thailand, the Philippines, Japan and South Korea also demonstrated strong progress through investments in inclusive tourism and digital innovation.

Beyond destination rankings, GMTI 2026 introduces the new Destination Activation Stack, combining the ACES, RIDA and TRUST frameworks to help tourism stakeholders move beyond providing basic Muslim-friendly facilities. The model encourages destinations to ensure that services are digitally visible, trustworthy, easily accessible and aligned with travelers' expectations for safety, sustainability and seamless experiences in an increasingly AI-powered travel ecosystem.

As digital trust becomes a defining factor in travel decisions, the report concludes that future-ready destinations will be those capable of integrating technology, reliable information and Muslim-friendly services into a seamless visitor experience. With AI continuing to reshape global tourism, destinations that embrace digital transformation are expected to strengthen their competitiveness and capture growing demand from Muslim travelers worldwide.