Philippines to Enhance Halal Travel Services in Premier Resort Island

MANILA – In a strategic move to attract more Muslim visitors, the Philippines is developing halal-friendly options in its premier resort island, Boracay. This initiative, announced by Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, aims to position Boracay as a top destination for halal travel offerings.

Nestled in the province of Aklan, in the heart of the Philippine archipelago, Boracay is renowned for its pristine white sand beaches and vibrant coral reefs. These natural attractions have cemented its status as one of the world’s most famous islands. As tourism remains a pivotal sector for the Philippines, enhancing the island’s appeal to Muslim travelers is a key priority.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has been actively working to ensure that Muslim visitors have access to halal products and services. “Muslim-friendly and halal tourism is a portfolio that we wish to grow,” Frasco told reporters. To achieve this, the DOT is collaborating with Boracay’s local government unit to integrate halal-friendly tourism options on the island.

Muslims make up about 10 percent of the Philippines’ nearly 120 million population. Despite being a predominantly Catholic country, the Philippines has seen a significant influx of international travelers. Since the beginning of the year, over 2 million international visitors have arrived, with a notable 10 percent increase in tourists from Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE. These countries are among the Philippine government’s key emerging-market targets.

In 2023, the Philippines was honored with the Emerging Muslim-friendly Destination of the Year award at the Halal in Travel Global Summit in Singapore. This accolade has amplified the country’s focus on the Muslim market, making it a priority for the DOT.

Earlier this month, the Department of Tourism led a delegation to the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, promoting the Philippines’ best destinations. During the event, a memorandum of understanding was signed with Megaworld, one of the Philippines’ largest hospitality chains. “We signed a memorandum of understanding with Megaworld such that all their properties will be converted into Muslim-friendly and halal-friendly tourism establishments,” Frasco said.

The global halal and Muslim-friendly tourism industry represents a billion-dollar market. By enhancing its halal travel offerings, the Philippines aims to tap into this lucrative market. The DOT’s efforts are expected to significantly boost the country’s tourism revenue, contributing to its economic growth.

The development of halal-friendly options in Boracay is just the beginning. The DOT plans to extend these initiatives to other popular destinations in the Philippines, ensuring a wide range of halal-certified facilities and services. This comprehensive approach is designed to provide Muslim travelers with a seamless and enjoyable experience throughout their stay in the country.

The Philippines’ initiative to develop halal travel offerings in Boracay underscores its commitment to becoming a leading destination for Muslim tourists. By integrating halal-friendly options and enhancing its hospitality services, the country is poised to attract a larger share of the global Muslim travel market. This move not only boosts tourism but also fosters cultural understanding and inclusivity. Stay tuned as the Philippines continues to innovate and expand its halal tourism offerings, welcoming travelers from all corners of the globe.