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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Philippines climbs to 8th spot in global Muslim-friendly tourism ranking

Philippines climbs to 8th spot in global Muslim-friendly tourism ranking

Published Jun 17, 2025 07:32 pm
Photo: DOT
Photo: DOT
The Philippines has climbed to 8th place in a global ranking of top Muslim-friendly travel destinations through the efforts of the Department of Tourism (DOT) to boost halal and culturally inclusive tourism programs.
The 2025 Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI), released by Mastercard and CrescentRating, listed the Philippines among the top non-Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) destinations.
It showed a four-spot rise from 2024, with the country’s score improving by six points to 53.
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco welcomed the recognition, calling it a strong affirmation of the DOT’s push to position the Philippines as a preferred destination for Muslim travelers through inclusive and faith-sensitive tourism initiatives.
“With a country such as the Philippines that is known for its warm hospitality, rich cultural heritage, and breathtaking natural attractions, introducing halal and Muslim-friendly tourism has been crucial in our work at the Department of Tourism,” Frasco said.
She said the DOT’s programs aim to attract more Muslim visitors while expanding livelihood opportunities for Filipinos within the tourism sector.
The GMTI cited the country’s progress in providing access to halal-certified food, prayer facilities, and Muslim-friendly amenities at key tourist destinations.
CrescentRating and HalalTrip CEO Fazal Bahardeen also acknowledged the Philippines, alongside Hong Kong and Taiwan, for making “remarkable progress” through proactive government policies promoting inclusive tourism.
Under the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023–2028, the DOT issued Memorandum Circular 2024-003, which updated guidelines for recognizing Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishments.
This paved the way for programs such as the SALAAM Halal Tourism and Trade Expo and the Marhaba Boracay initiative, a dedicated Muslim-friendly family cove on the island.
The DOT also partnered with Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, the first hotel group in the country to have all 13 of its properties officially recognized as 100 percent Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishments.
For this achievement, Megaworld was named “Muslim-Friendly Chain of the Year” at the Halal in Travel Awards 2025 held in Singapore.
The GMTI highlighted key features in Megaworld properties, including Qibla direction markers, prayer rugs, water-friendly toilets, gender-separated spa facilities, and public prayer rooms with designated areas for male and female guests.
The Philippines was previously recognized as Emerging Muslim-Friendly Destination of the Year in both 2023 and 2024, underscoring the steady growth of the country’s halal tourism program.
According to the GMTI, international Muslim tourist arrivals reached 176 million in 2024 and are projected to grow to 245 million by 2030, with global travel spending expected to reach USD 230 billion.
Frasco said the DOT will continue expanding halal tourism efforts as part of a broader strategy to enhance the Philippines’ global competitiveness and support inclusive growth across communities.

Related Tags

PH tourism Muslim-friendly travel DOT Global Muslim Travel Index halal tourism CrescentRating
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