Based on a report by the Global Muslim Travel Index in 2023, Muslim travellers’ estimated expenditure is projected to reach US$225bil globally by 2028, with visitor arrivals reaching 230 million.
If you’re one such traveller who appreciates the value of visiting mosques, shrines and historical sites with Islamic roots, then you may just want to visit these destinations that will offer you plenty to do and see, topped with an unexpected wealth of Muslim-oriented places of interest. The eponymous capital city of Badajoz is home to one of the country’s most important historical monuments: Alcazaba of Badajoz. The citadel was founded by Ibn Marwan in 875, but it was only in the 12th century that it took on the appearance that it has now, following construction done by the Almohads.
Turquoise waters, white beaches and overwater bungalows are synonymous with the Maldives. But venture to its vibrant capital Male, on the North Male Atoll, and you will see another interesting side to this tropical paradise. Since Maldives is a 100% Muslim country , rest assured that you will not encounter in its capital any alcohol offerings .Other than mosque visits, other activities you can do on North Male Atoll include submarine tours, dolphin cruise, visiting the Male markets and, of course, island hopping.
About an hour’s drive from the historical mosque is the Yakan Weaving Village, where you can purchase colourful fabric that have been handwoven using the traditional weaving techniques of the Yakan people, said to be the original indigenous Muslim settlers of Basilan. Bags, seputangan and other forms of accessories and souvenirs are also sold here.
Hazratbal Shrine is the only domed mosque in Srinagar, India. — ABDULLA NASAR/Wikimedia CommonsAccording to the World Population Review, India sits third in the ranking of top 10 countries with the largest number of Muslims, totalling 200 million. That makes up 13.87% of the South Asian nation’s total population, which stands at 1.44 billion as of January 2024.
Another destination in India that you can explore is Mysore, or Mysuru, down south in Karnataka. With its second largest population being Muslim, after Hindu, the city has plenty of halal food, Muslim-friendly facilities and several mosques to cater to Muslim travellers.