More businesses and tourism establishments in the Philippines are integrating Halal-compliant services to accommodate Muslim travelers and enhance the country’s appeal as a preferred destination, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said on Friday, Mar. 14.

In a televised interview on Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon, DOT Undersecretary Myra Paz Valderrosa Abubakar said the agency is advancing two key initiatives—Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Halal Tourism—to make the country more inclusive for Muslim visitors.

"Hotels, restaurants, and commercial spaces are encouraged to adopt Halal-compliant standards, including certified food options, prayer facilities, and accommodations aligned with Islamic practices," Abubakar said.

Under DOT Memorandum Circular 2024-003, accredited hotels may be officially recognized as Muslim-friendly if they meet specific guidelines, such as labeling food options, listing prayer times at front desks, and ensuring access to mosques or prayer rooms.

The agency also confirmed the return of the Salam Tourism Expo from June 27 to 29 at Gateway 2 in Araneta City, an event showcasing Halal-certified products and services to further position the country as a top non-Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Muslim-friendly destination.

The Philippines was recently recognized in the MasterCard CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index for its efforts in catering to Muslim tourists.

Efforts to enhance Halal tourism infrastructure are also gaining traction, with major property developers such as Omegaworld and Robinsons Land incorporating Muslim-friendly features into their establishments.

The DOT is likewise working with mall operators and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to expand prayer rooms and ablution areas in key public spaces.

Muslim visitor arrivals reached 630,000 in 2024, reflecting a 23-percent increase from the previous year, with Malaysia remaining the top source of travelers, many of whom visit year-round in large family groups.

Further, among the latest initiatives of the DOT is the newly launched Marhaba Boracay Beach Cove in partnership with Megaworld and the local government of Malay, Aklan, which features an exclusive 800-square-meter beachfront designed for Muslim travelers seeking culturally sensitive vacation experiences.

The DOT is also developing a three-volume travel guide for Muslim tourists, covering essential travel information, Muslim-friendly destinations, and Halal-certified Filipino culinary experiences.

Abubakar underscored the economic benefits of strengthening Halal tourism, particularly in job creation, noting that Muslim travelers are known for longer stays and higher spending power.

With the halal tourism market expanding globally, the DOT remains confident that these initiatives will further drive the country’s tourism and economic growth.