Global Muslim friendly tourism to bulk up to $243 billion in 2021
More than 230 million Muslim tourists are expected to travel both locally and abroad by 2026
The size of global Muslim friendly tourism market has been predicted to reach $243 billion in 2021 at an annual growth rate of 8.3 percent.
"More than 230 million Muslim tourists are expected to travel both locally and abroad by 2026, and this activity is expected to inject $300 billion into the global economy," said Dr Cem Tintin, a senior researcher of the Statistical, Economic and Social Research Centre for Islamic Countries, at a seminar today in Dhaka.
The seminar titled "Development of Muslim Friendly Tourism in Dhaka" was jointly organised by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Bangladesh Tourism Board at a city hotel.
Mahbub Ali, the state minister for civil aviation and tourism, was present in the seminar along with others.
The minister said, "We have all the ingredients that are needed for Muslim friendly tourism, such as Muslim friendly culture, food habit, transportation etc. Besides, Dhaka has many heritage sites."
"Eighty-nine percent of the people of our country are Muslims. So, nobody has to hesitate while having foods in hotels as they are made in halal way," he added.
He said government's metro rail project would facilitate tourists to visit the country in future as it will help to reduce traffic congestion in the city.
Bangladesh ranked 19th in the Global Muslim Travel Index 2019. The OIC also declared Dhaka as "OIC City of Tourism 2019."
