Enhancing Muslim-Friendly Tourism Infrastructure

The Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is actively pursuing foreign direct investment from Qatar to strengthen the country’s tourism sector, particularly in developing Muslim-friendly and halal-certified facilities. This strategic initiative aims to support the Department of Tourism’s comprehensive development plans for the hospitality industry.

According to DTI Undersecretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo from the Industry Development and Investment Promotions Group, the Philippines faces significant challenges in accommodating Muslim travelers due to insufficient halal-certified accommodations and dining options. This infrastructure deficit has historically created barriers for Muslim tourists visiting the archipelago.

The country has made notable progress, recently advancing to eighth place in the Global Muslim Travel Index 2025. However, officials emphasize that substantial investment opportunities remain, especially in popular tourist destinations where halal-certified facilities are still scarce.

The Philippines currently operates with a limited supply of accommodations compared to neighboring Southeast Asian countries, contributing to higher travel costs and reduced competitiveness as a tourist destination. This supply shortage affects both Muslim travelers seeking halal options and mainstream tourists requiring quality facilities.

Government Initiatives and Industry Collaboration

• Hotel Industry Development Programs

The DTI is working closely with the Department of Tourism and the Philippine Hotel Owners Association through their collaborative Hotel Industry Roadmap, launched in 2023. This strategic framework focuses on attracting investments and expanding the capacity of Philippine tourism infrastructure.

• Energy Sector Support

To enhance investment attractiveness, the Board of Investments is collaborating with the Department of Energy to reduce energy costs, making tourism destinations more economically viable for potential investors. The board also supports the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority in generating tourism-related investment opportunities.

• Progress in Muslim-Friendly Certifications

The Department of Tourism has made significant strides in expanding Muslim-friendly accommodations. All 13 properties operated by Megaworld Hotels & Resorts received official 100% Muslim-friendly certification after earning the Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishments certificate. The country now boasts 17 officially certified Muslim-friendly lodging facilities, with additional halal certifications planned for this year.

The government is particularly focused on attracting Muslim travelers from Southeast Asia and the Middle East as part of its broader market development strategy.

Industrial Investment Opportunities

Beyond tourism, Undersecretary Rodolfo highlighted several high-value industrial facilities available for Qatari investment. These opportunities represent strategic assets that could benefit from international capital injection and operational expertise.

The JG Summit Olefins Corporation (JGSOC), part of the Gokongwei Group’s petrochemical operations, presents a significant opportunity. While the facility demonstrates high operational efficiency, it faces challenges due to the Philippines’ lack of refineries producing the specific naphtha grades required for its operations. Qatar’s extensive experience in hydrocarbon processing makes it an ideal partnership candidate for this venture.

The Philippine Associated Smelting and Refining Corporation (PASAR), a major copper processing facility in Leyte province, has temporarily suspended operations and represents another acquisition opportunity. This facility, along with other similar assets, offers immediate operational potential for investors with the right expertise and capital.

The DTI views these industrial opportunities as active investment cases suitable for Middle Eastern funds or companies seeking to enter or expand within the petroleum refining and petrochemical sectors. The department emphasizes finding strategic partners capable of overcoming operational challenges and restoring these valuable assets to full production capacity.

Original Article:

Department of Trade and Industry. (2025, August 3). Philippines seeks Qatar backing for halal tourism boost. Gulf‑Times. https://www.gulf-times.com/article/708275/business/dti-looks-to-qatar-fdi-for-muslim-friendly-tourism-in-philippines/amp