Wego reveals new destinations for GCC Muslim travellers

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Vietnam has seen a 128% year-on-year increase in GCC-origin searches

GCC Muslim travellers are looking well beyond their traditional travel hotspots in 2026, as the latest Wego data reveals surging interest in a new wave of destinations distinguished by easier access, reliable halal standards and increased investment in faith-friendly infrastructure, all paired with unique cultural or natural experiences.

Asia leads the shift, according to Wego’s round-trip flight search data, with Vietnam recording an exceptional 128% year-on-year increase in GCC-origin searches, followed by China at 95% and Hong Kong at 51%. Fast-rising European destinations include Iceland (+47%), Finland (+43%) and Portugal (+37%), with Switzerland, Norway and the Netherlands also posting robust double-digit growth.

Demand is also trending upward in New Zealand (+16%), South Africa (+15%), Singapore (+12%), Japan (+7%), Australia (+6%) and Germany (+4%), revealing a broader pivot towards long-haul, experience-led and Muslim-friendly travel.

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Asia Rising

Vietnam’s growth is being driven by the rollout of a national halal certification framework that makes it easier for travellers to identify halal food and accommodation. This, combined with new non-stop routes connecting Dubai and Da Nang and Abu Dhabi and Hanoi is making it easier for GCC families to confidently explore Vietnam’s beaches, heritage cities and food culture.

China, meanwhile, has eased the process for Gulf visitors through visa-free entry for all GCC countries extended through 2026, and added Emirates gateways into secondary cities such as Shenzhen and Hangzhou. Added to this, more Chinese cities now have halal restaurant clusters, while mosques and prayer facilities are increasingly signposted and available near major travel districts, hotels and business centres.

Shenzhen in China

Hong Kong too is rapidly gaining popularity among GCC Muslim travellers, following a targeted tourism strategy that actively prioritises Muslim visitor needs. In partnership with CrescentRating, the city’s government has nearly doubled its halal-certified dining options, from 100 to nearly 200 restaurants, while accrediting over 60 hotels, many now offering halal breakfasts, prayer rugs and Qibla directions.

Recent recognition as “Most Promising Muslim-Friendly Destination of the Year” by the Global Muslim Travel Index reflects sustained investment in prayer facilities at hotels, attractions, and Hong Kong International Airport. The addition of direct Cathay Pacific flights from Riyadh and the Halal Q Mark scheme, regular halal food events and greater Arabic signage all make daily routines more seamless for GCC guests.

From Europe to long-haul hotspots

European destinations seeing the fastest growth are deploying similar tactics. Iceland, Finland and Norway are attracting attention with Northern Lights and “cool escape” tours tailored for the Muslim market, while Portugal is expanding its dining and mosque networks in Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve. Amsterdam stands out for its landmark Blue Mosque, Schiphol’s 24/7 meditation room, diverse halal restaurants, and support from long-established Muslim communities in Rotterdam and The Hague.

Cities like Warsaw and Prague are actively enhancing Muslim facilities by opening new mosques and multi-faith airport prayer rooms.

Lisbon is expanding its dining and mosque networks for Muslim travellers

Further afield, long-haul markets such as New Zealand, South Africa, Singapore, Japan, Australia and Germany are deepening their Muslim-ready product offering.

New Zealand’s Halal Expo, widespread mosque network and official food certification support nature-driven and self-drive holidays. In Australia and South Africa, operators now advertise safari, whale-watching and coastal packages with halal provisions clearly integrated. Singapore, Japan and Germany continue to invest in multilingual guides, prayer infrastructure and targeted Muslim visitor resources.

For the travel trade, Wego’s findings highlight one clear principle: GCC demand follows destinations marrying credible halal assurance and practical access with authentic, local cultural experiences.

For more information, visit wego.com