A new report from Mastercard, produced in collaboration with CrescentRating, suggests that clear and reliable information provided before travel may be more important than excitement alone in determining whether Muslim travelers attend sports events.
The report estimates that Muslim sports event travel spending could rise from approximately $11 billion in 2025 to $17 billion by 2030. However, if destinations and event organizers visibly demonstrate that they are prepared to meet the needs of Muslim travelers, the market could expand to as much as $21 billion by 2030.
Titled “Proof Wins: The Convergence of Sports, Travel, and Faith,” the report examines how Muslim travelers discover, plan and participate in sports events. It identifies the key factors that turn interest into bookings, including access to halal food, prayer facilities, transportation logistics, security and reliable payment options.
A growing opportunity for sports tourism
The number of international Muslim travelers is expected to rise from 186 million in 2025 to 245 million by 2030. The market is supported by a young and digitally connected population, with 70% of the global Muslim population under the age of 40 and a median age of 25.
According to the report, 75% of Muslim travelers have participated in sports tourism during domestic or international trips. However, only 6% of their international trips currently include attendance at a sports event.
The gap between high interest and actual participation points to a significant untapped opportunity for destinations and event organizers capable of converting interest into travel.
Price, accessibility and trust drive decisions
Affordability and value are the most important considerations when deciding whether to attend a sports event, cited by 61% of travelers. This is followed by access to halal food and prayer facilities at the destination, at 48%, and confidence in safety and destination management, at 45%.
Accommodation preferences reinforce the same trend. 82% of sports travelers consider staying close to the event venue very important. Proximity to halal food options is the leading consideration, cited by 53%, followed by walking distance to the venue at 47%, access to prayer facilities at 46% and transportation options at 44%.
Discovery starts on social media, but trust drives conversion
Digital discovery plays a central role in the sports travel journey. 72% of Muslim travelers discover sports events through social media, often inspiring group travel with friends and family.
However, discovery only turns into a booking when travelers can quickly access trusted information, including official ticket links, venue access details, transportation plans and reliable digital payment options.
Official event websites are identified as the most trusted channel for ticket purchases.
Digital payments are also becoming an increasingly important part of the travel experience. E-wallets are preferred by 44% of travelers, followed by credit and debit cards at 40%. Cash is used by 33%, while QR code payments account for 22% and contactless payments for 11%.
Aisha Islam, Senior Vice President of Mastercard’s Southeast Asia Customer Solutions Center, said sports tourism was entering a new phase of global growth in which experience, community and cultural connection were becoming just as important as the event itself.
She added that Muslim travelers represent one of the fastest-growing segments of global travel and that destinations offering clarity and confidence — from secure payments to halal food and access to prayer facilities — could unlock significant participation and spending potential.