Muslim Travelers Spent $36 Billion Shopping in 2014

PARIS — Muslim tourists spent a total of $36 billion while shopping last year globally, according to a new study by Mastercard and CrescentRating.

Of the 40 destinations studied in The Muslim Shopping Travel Index 2015, Dubai was the most popular shopping destination for Muslim travelers, followed by Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

Of the cities outside the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Singapore took the top spot, followed by London and Paris. Twenty-five non-OIC destinations featured on the list.

Earlier this year, Mastercard and CrescentRating, a research firm focusing on halal-friendly travel, launched the Global Muslim Travel Index.

The Muslim Shopping Travel Index, their second collaboration, takes in metrics including suitability as a shopping destination, Muslim-friendly services and facilities, and ease of travel. It is designed to give insight into how Muslims spend their money when traveling, and provide information to those targeting this fast-growing segment.

Muslim travelers represent 10 percent of the total global travel economy, or 108 million travelers, the study said. This proportion is expected to rise to 11 percent by 2020.