Figures released as part of the Global Halal Tourism Summit at ATM showed Saudi Arabia represents the biggest outbound Muslim market and is predicted to grow 17% in the next three years.

However, second and third-generation Muslim communities in developed economies such as the UK also have more purchasing power than previously, according to the research, and are looking for faith-based or faith-appropriate travel and tourism.

A global survey of more than 35,000 Muslim travellers by information hub Sociable Earth revealed what hotels and other tourism providers should focus on to attract more Muslim guests.

Serving more and better halal food in hotels and listing nearby mosques were top priorities for Muslim travellers, followed by listing nearby halal restaurants.

“The halal travel market has graduated from its niche status to become an industry-shaping force in its own right. It has become mainstream,” said Oman Ahmed, founder of Social Earth.