Source: Halal Times

JAKARTA – The Philippines has made remarkable strides in establishing itself as a premier destination for Muslim travelers, achieving a significant milestone in the tourism industry. According to the latest 2025 Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) by Mastercard and CrescentRating, the archipelago nation has climbed to 8th position among non-Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries, marking a substantial improvement from its previous 12th place ranking.

Understanding the Global Muslim Travel Index

The GMTI assessment framework evaluates destinations across four fundamental pillars that matter most to Muslim travelers:

Accessibility encompasses travel convenience, visa requirements, and flight connections. Communication focuses on the availability of Islamic information and multilingual signage in English and Arabic. Environment considers Muslim-friendly amenities, prayer facilities, and halal food options. Services evaluates accommodations, tour packages, and hospitality services designed with Muslim travelers in mind.

The Philippines’ GMTI score improved significantly from 47 to 53 points, demonstrating measurable progress in creating an inclusive tourism environment.

Government Leadership in Faith-Based Tourism

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco emphasized the nation’s commitment to religious and cultural inclusivity. The Department of Tourism’s National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023-2028 has strategically prioritized Muslim-friendly tourism through comprehensive policy reforms and practical initiatives.

Key governmental efforts include establishing updated accommodation guidelines through Memorandum Circular 2024-003, implementing certification programs for hospitality businesses, conducting specialized training for tourism professionals on Islamic customs and halal requirements, and fostering partnerships with halal certification organizations.

Groundbreaking Accommodation Standards

The hospitality sector has witnessed transformative changes, with Megaworld Hotels & Resorts leading the industry by achieving 100% Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishment (MFAE) status across all 13 properties. This achievement earned the chain recognition as “Muslim-Friendly Hotel Chain of the Year” at the 2025 Halal in Travel Awards in Singapore.

Modern Muslim-friendly accommodations now feature Qibla direction indicators in guest rooms, prayer mats and Quran copies available upon request, halal-certified kitchen facilities and breakfast offerings, dedicated prayer spaces with gender-appropriate separation, and spa and wellness facilities designed with Islamic guidelines in mind.

Expanding Halal Culinary Landscape

Recognizing food as a primary concern for Muslim travelers, the Philippines has significantly expanded its halal dining infrastructure. Popular tourist destinations including Boracay, Palawan, and Metro Manila now offer diverse halal-certified restaurants serving Arabic, Malay, and Filipino cuisine. This expansion addresses one of the most critical needs of Muslim travelers while showcasing the country’s culinary diversity.

Infrastructure Development for Prayer Facilities

Major tourist attractions and transportation hubs have incorporated dedicated prayer facilities. Rizal Park, SM Malls, and Ninoy Aquino International Airport now provide appropriate prayer spaces, while the Department of Tourism collaborates with local governments to establish salah facilities in key tourism areas.

Marhaba Boracay: A Pioneering Concept

The innovative Marhaba Boracay project represents a groundbreaking approach to Muslim-friendly tourism. This specialized zone features halal-certified resort accommodations, beachfront prayer areas, modest swimwear rental services, and comprehensive cultural sensitivity training for staff members. This initiative has positioned Boracay as an attractive destination for Muslim families seeking both luxury and faith-compatible amenities.

SALAAM Expo: Connecting Global Markets

The Philippines launched SALAAM, the country’s premier halal tourism and trade exposition, in 2024. This event serves as a vital platform connecting local businesses with international halal markets, showcasing halal food producers, Muslim-friendly travel services, and Islamic fashion brands.

Market Potential and Economic Impact

The global Muslim travel market represents substantial economic opportunity, with 176 million Muslim tourists recorded in 2024. Industry projections indicate this number will reach 245 million by 2030, with spending expected to total $230 billion. This demographic represents a crucial growth driver for the global tourism industry.

Addressing Remaining Challenges

Despite significant progress, certain challenges persist in the Philippines’ halal tourism development. Expanding halal certification beyond major urban centers, increasing awareness among local businesses, and improving flight connectivity from Middle Eastern countries remain priority areas for improvement.

The Department of Tourism plans to address these challenges through a comprehensive nationwide halal tourism campaign, strategic airline partnerships for direct flights from Dubai, Riyadh, and Kuala Lumpur, and the development of specialized Muslim-friendly tour packages.

Recognition from Industry Leaders

CrescentRating and HalalTrip CEO Fazal Bahardeen acknowledged the Philippines’ exceptional progress alongside Hong Kong and Taiwan, noting that non-OIC destinations can excel in Muslim-friendly tourism through genuine commitment to halal dining, prayer facilities, and cultural awareness.

Setting New Standards for Inclusive Tourism

The Philippines’ advancement in the GMTI rankings represents more than statistical improvement—it demonstrates the country’s dedication to diversity and hospitality. By combining natural beauty with thoughtful, faith-sensitive services, the Philippines is establishing new benchmarks for truly welcoming destinations.

As Secretary Frasco articulates the vision: creating an environment where every traveler, regardless of faith, can experience the Philippines’ beauty while feeling genuinely welcomed. This approach represents the future of global tourism—inclusive, respectful, and memorable.

The Philippines’ success story in Muslim-friendly tourism serves as an inspiring model for other destinations seeking to embrace faith-inclusive travel, proving that genuine commitment to cultural sensitivity and religious accommodation can yield significant results in the competitive global tourism market.

Original article:

halaltimes.com. (n.d.). Philippines Ranked Among Best Muslim-Friendly Destinations. Retrieved July 7, 2025, from https://www.halaltimes.com/philippines-ranked-among-best-muslim-friendly-destinations/