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Philippines, Malaysia pursue stronger ties in green tourism development

Philippines | National

Philippines, Malaysia pursue stronger ties in green tourism development

By Trixee Rosel

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is strengthening its partnership with Malaysia to promote Muslim-friendly and sustainable tourism, with a proposed cooperation agreement presented at the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2025.

DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco said the collaboration seeks to advance Halal tourism, implement sustainable practices, and attract investments in tourism infrastructure to meet the growing demand for inclusive travel experiences.

In discussions with Malaysia’s Tourism Minister Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Frasco highlighted the shared cultural heritage and geographical proximity of the two nations, which offer unique opportunities to enhance travel experiences for visitors from both countries.

The partnership will focus on aligning Halal tourism standards, exchanging market strategies, and expanding opportunities in meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) tourism.

Key initiatives also include enhancing tourism infrastructure and simplifying travel processes to ensure greater accessibility and convenience for travelers.

“Malaysia has long been a leader in Muslim-friendly tourism, and we are eager to learn from their best practices while sharing our own,” Frasco said, noting the Philippines' introduction of Halal guidelines for accommodations and other tourism establishments.

This initiative aligns with the Marcos administration’s push for an investment-friendly environment in tourism, with a focus on infrastructure development and policy reforms designed to boost the country’s economic growth and regional competitiveness.

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