Muslim-friendly sports tourism projected to reach US$21 billion globally by 2030

Muslim-friendly sports tourism is projected to reach US$21 billion globally by 2030 on condition that destinations and event organisers reinforce inclusion and confidence across the travel journey, according to a report by Mastercard in collaboration with CrescentRating.

The report–  Proof Wins: The Convergence of Sports, Travel, and Faith – studies how Muslim travellers discover, plan and attend sports events, thus identifying key factors that convert interest into booking. 

While enthusiasm for sports travel among Muslim travellers is high, the report determines that participation depends heavily on clear and trusted information on essentials such as halal food availability, prayer facilities, transport logistics and secure payment options.

A Growing Opportunity in Muslim-Friendly Sports Tourism

Sports events may even attract Muslim fans to travel to support their favourite teams that has otherwise, never travel overseas before. (credit photo: AT&T Stadium)

Sports events represent an increasingly valuable tourism driver, especially as global Muslim travel continues to expand. The current market projections indicate the Muslim sports-event travel spend pool growing from approximately US$11 billion in 2025 to US$17 billion by 2030.

The opportunity, according to the report, could expand further to US$21 billion by the end of the decade when destinations make Muslim-friendly readiness visible during the booking stage and deliver it consistently on the ground. 

The potential growth is contributed by two measurable shifts; participation from Muslim travelers when faith-compatible services are clearly communicated, and stronger in-venue spending when Halal food options are well-labeled, accessible and trusted. 

How to Convert Interest into Attendance

Clarity gives Muslim sports enthusiast more confidence to travel abroad.

The report stated, Muslim international arrivals are expected to increase from 186 million in 2025 to 245 million by 2030, following a young and digitally connected population that is progressively motivated by experience-led travel.

However, only around 6 percent of international Muslim trips include attendance at a sports event today, underlining a significant untapped market for destinations and organizers that can convert interest into attendance.

The research explained, there are several factors to account on whether travellers ultimately commit to a sports trip. Among them, affordability and value remain the most important consideration, followed by access to Halal food and prayer facilities, as well as confidence in safety and crowd management. 

When these elements are visible early, particularly during ticket discovery and trip planning, travelers are considerably more likely to follow through with bookings. 

Building Confidence Across the Travel Journey 

Social media is an important tool to utilize in promoting local, Muslim-friendly features. (credit photo: Qatar Airways)

Digital discovery plays an important role in the sports travel journey with social media being the primary channel for Muslim travellers to learn about sports event, often inspiring group travel among friends and family.

Yet, conversion only occurs when that discovery quickly leads to trusted information, including official ticket links, venue access details, transport plans and reliable digital payment options.

Senior Vice President, Customer Solutions Center, Southeast Asia at Mastercard, Aisha Islam said, the region is firmly establishing itself as a hub for high-profile sporting experiences as major sporting calendars continue to make their way across Southeast Asia.

“Sports tourism is entering a new phase of global growth, where experiences, community and cultural connection matter as much as the event itself,”

“Through Mastercard’s long-standing presence in global sports, including collaborations with the UEFA Champions League, the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team and the Australian Open, Mastercard sees how major sporting moments can connect fans, destinations, and businesses at scale. 

“When destinations provide clarity and confidence– from payment security to Halal dining and prayer access – they unlock significant participation and spending potential,” she said.

Echoing the same sentiment, Founder and CEO of CrescentRating, Fazal Bahardeen said, the research clearly shows that demand alone is not the constraint, but confidence is.

“But participation increases only when essential needs such as Halal food, prayer access and transport are clearly communicated and trusted well before travel begins. 

“Destinations in Southeast Asia that connect iconic sports moments with visible Muslim-friendly readiness are best positioned to convert interest into attendance and sustained economic impact,” he said.

For destinations and event organizers, the report findings highlight a clear opportunity to strengthen the appeal of sports events for Muslim travelers. 

When faith-friendly amenities such as Halal food assurance, prayer-ready spaces and accessible venue infrastructure are embedded into event planning and clearly communicated before booking, they strengthen visitor confidence, increase attendance and boost spending across the travel ecosystem.