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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Saudi travelers set to flock to Philippines with new flights, Halal tourism

Saudi travelers set to flock to Philippines with new flights, Halal tourism

Published Nov 13, 2025 05:46 pm

At A Glance

  • New direct flights and Halal-friendly travel set to draw Saudi visitors.
  • Tourism receipts from Saudi Arabia hit USD 37.86 million in 2024, up 46 percent from 2023.
  • 2025 routes include Riyadh–Cagayan de Oro and Riyadh–Zamboanga, complementing existing connections.
  • Top destinations: Cebu 23.29 percent, Aklan/Boracay 21.92 percent, Pampanga 15.07 percent, Palawan 8.22 percent, Cavite 1.37 percent.
  • DOT expands Halal-certified dining, Muslim-friendly accommodations, and launches Marhaba Boracay.
Department of Tourism (DOT) Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso, representing DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco, meets with Saudi aviation executives on the sidelines of the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to discuss expanded air connectivity and joint tourism promotion initiatives between the Middle East and the Philippines. (Photo courtesy of DOT)
Department of Tourism (DOT) Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso, representing DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco, meets with Saudi aviation executives on the sidelines of the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to discuss expanded air connectivity and joint tourism promotion initiatives between the Middle East and the Philippines. (Photo courtesy of DOT)
New direct flights and Halal-friendly travel, led by the Department of Tourism (DOT), are set to draw Saudi travelers as the Kingdom becomes one of the country’s fastest-growing inbound markets.
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco said the Philippines remains popular among Saudi visitors for its warm hospitality, family-friendly beaches, English-speaking service culture, and growing Halal-friendly infrastructure.
Represented by DOT Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso, the department held high-level talks with Saudia Airlines General Manager Abdulrahman Alabdulwahab and Riyadh Air Vice President Wolfgang Reuss.
Ambassador Raymond R. Balatbat also joined the discussions during the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly in Riyadh.
The meetings focused on joint tourism promotions and the launch of new direct flight routes to strengthen connectivity between the Philippines and Saudi Arabia.
Tourism receipts from Saudi Arabia reached USD 37.86 million in 2024, a 46 percent increase from 2023.
New 2025 routes, including Riyadh–Cagayan de Oro and Riyadh–Zamboanga, will complement existing Riyadh–Manila and Jeddah–Manila flights, further boosting access for Saudi travelers.
DOT data show Saudi visitors favor destinations outside Metro Manila, with 23.29 percent going to Cebu, 21.92 percent to Aklan/Boracay, 15.07 percent to Pampanga, 8.22 percent to Palawan, and 1.37 percent to Cavite.
These figures highlight Saudi tourists’ preference for premium, family-friendly beaches and resort experiences.
To accommodate this growing market, the DOT has expanded Halal-certified dining and partnered with major hotels to develop Muslim-friendly accommodations.
The agency also launched Marhaba Boracay and ensured that AirAsia Philippines offers Halal meals on all routes, earning recognition as an Emerging Muslim-Friendly Destination in the Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index for 2023 and 2024.
“Our shared values of hospitality, family, and faith make the Philippines a natural choice for Saudi travelers, and with enhanced air connectivity, we aim to bring the beauty and warmth of our islands even closer to the Saudi people,” Frasco said.

Related Tags

Philippines Saudi Arabia DOT Halal tourism direct flights tourism receipts
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