Ramadan Travel Report, 2016 | MasterCard & CrescentRating
Shopping Seasons | Global
There were 117 million Muslim international travelers globally in 2015. This number is forecasted to grow to 168 million by 2020. The choice of travel destinations amongst Muslim travelers has evolved from religious travel to globalized travel.
So a total of 50 destinations were analyzed in order to identify the travel trends in Ramadan and the main drivers shaping this:
- The vast majority of Muslims around the world prefer not to travel during Ramadan. They spend the holy month with family and friends at home in a familiar environment.
- Makkah & Madinah are the top two destinations for Muslims during Ramadan.
- Umrah travel, business travel, and Ramadan with family are the top key drivers of Muslims traveling in Ramadan.
- Saudi Arabia witnessed more than 6 million visitors during the month of Ramadan 2015.
- From 2023 to 2030, Ramadan will occur during the months of April to January. So, North African destinations such as Morocco & Tunisia, besides Egypt & Jordan will also rise in the rankings.
- Malaysia will maintain a strong leadership position as the most attractive destination for Muslim travelers in Ramadan for 10 years from 2016 to 2026.
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