3 Questions with Fazal Bahardeen: The Future of Muslim-Friendly Travel in Asia
As the CEO of Crescentrating and HalalTrip, Fazal Bahardeen has spent the last 16 years building a space where Muslim travelers don’t have to choose between their values and their adventures.
From launching the influential Global Muslim Travel Index to the innovative RIDA Framework, his work continues to inspire industry shifts toward authenticity, inclusivity, and relevance.
Ahead of his talk at Skift Asia Forum, we asked Fazal how his team is redefining the travel experience and why Asia is at the heart of the shift.
“At Crescentrating and HalalTrip, our vision has always been to build an environment where Muslim travelers never have to choose between fun and faith, where they can experience the world worry-free without compromising their values.
We aimed not only to advocate for more Muslim-friendly services but also to drive a transformation in how the travel industry approaches inclusion and aligns with the faith-based needs of Muslim travelers.
Over the past 16 years, through our Global Muslim Travel Index, the RIDA Framework, and strategic partnerships with destinations worldwide, we believe we have shaped travel ecosystems to be more welcoming, respectful, and ready for the future. However, there is still much more to be done.”
“We’re redefining the travel experience through the RIDA Framework, which we launched last year. It is a comprehensive approach that not only allows service providers to address the current needs of Muslim travelers, but also helps destinations and brands future-proof their strategies.
RIDA stands for Responsible, Immersive, Digital, and Assured, four interlinked dimensions that reflect how service providers can engage with Muslim travelers.
In Arabic, rida (رضا) means contentment, satisfaction, and a sense of inner peace, and that’s what Muslim travelers are seeking in their journeys. They want experiences that respect their values, connect them with cultures, and offer assurance without sacrificing faith or discovery.
Through the RIDA Framework, we want to move the conversation beyond basic amenities to delivering trust, emotional resonance, and relevance.”
“We’re betting big on Asia becoming the epicenter of Muslim-friendly travel. With over 60% of the global Muslim population living in Asia, and Muslims making up nearly 30% of Asia’s population, the region holds immense, yet still under-leveraged, potential.
Asia is home to the largest number of Muslim travelers and offers some of the most culturally rich, diverse, and increasingly Muslim-friendly destinations in the world. From Malaysia and Indonesia to Hong Kong, Thailand, and Central Asia, the infrastructure and commitment to serving this market are rapidly improving.
In an environment of rising economic uncertainty and increasing Islamophobia, Muslim travelers, particularly those in Asia, will turn towards short-haul, familiar, and faith-aligned destinations. This creates a unique opportunity for intra-Asia travel to thrive like never before.”
As Fazal Bahardeen joins other industry leaders at Skift Asia Forum, his insights into Muslim-friendly travel, inclusive design, and future-ready frameworks like RIDA will be essential for any brand looking to lead in a more diverse travel landscape.
Don’t miss the opportunity to learn how inclusion, innovation, and cultural authenticity are shaping the next chapter of Asia’s travel boom.
May 14-15, 2025 - BANGKOK
skift.
