PH rises as Muslim-friendly destination in 2025 global index
This photo taken on June 17, 2020 shows the white beach of Boracay Island, Aklan. Ernesto Cruz/ AFP
The Philippines has gained recognition as a welcoming country for Muslim travelers, climbing to 8th place in the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2025 among destination that are not part of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
The country improved its score to 53 in this year's GMTI, up 7 points compared to its 2024 performance when it ranked 12th.
The report, jointly produced by Mastercard and CrescentRating, was released this June and takes note of the country's ongoing efforts to build an inclusive and culturally sensitive tourism sector.
The Philippines is among non-OIC destinations that were described as making "strong gains" this year, along with Taiwan, Thailand, Ireland, and Australia.
In the non-OIC tier, Singapore vaulted to the top spot with a score of 71, jumping 5 spots compared to last year.
The GMTI 2025 report said, "The Philippines is steadily positioning itself as a Muslim-friendly destination by strengthening its capacity to welcome Muslim travelers. Efforts focus on improving accessibility to Halal food and integrating Muslim-friendly features at key tourist sites."
The report also noted that Philippine tourism authorities have launched initiatives to expand Halal-certified dining and accommodations. Stakeholders, meanwhile, have been educated on Muslim visitors' needs.
"With these efforts and the promotion of its diverse culture and natural beauty, the Philippines is emerging as an appealing destination for Muslim travelers in Southeast Asia," the report said.
Inclusivity and diversity
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco welcomed the improved ranking, saying it affirms the government's efforts to promote inclusivity and expand the reach of Philippine tourism.
"This recognition for the Philippines by the Global Muslim Travel Index 2025 affirms our steady commitment to introduce the Philippines as a halal and Muslim-friendly destination, as well as transforming our leading and emerging tourist spots to become those that practice inclusivity and diversity regardless of race and faith," Frasco said.
"By prioritizing halal and Muslim-friendly tourism, we not only demonstrate our commitment to inclusivity and cultural sensitivity but also open up opportunities to attract more Muslim travelers from around the world, while expanding markets for our tourism stakeholders and creating more livelihood and employment for our fellow Filipinos," she added.
CrescentRating CEO Fazal Bahardeen said the "remarkable progress" of the Philippines, alongside Hong Kong and Taiwan, demonstrate a "genuine commitment to building inclusive and welcoming tourism ecosystems."
International Muslim tourist arrivals were reported to have reached 176 million in 2024, with forecasts expecting the number to grow to 245 million by 2030. By then, global Muslim travel spending is projected to hit $230 billion, underscoring the sector's economic importance.
Part of the Department of Tourism's inclusivity strategy under its National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023-2028 is the implementation of updated guidelines for the operations and recognition of Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishments.
The DOT has launched various programs to support Muslim-friendly tourism, including:
SALAAM: The Halal Tourism and Trade Expo
Marhaba Boracay–the first dedicated Muslim-friendly beach cove in Boracay Island
Awareness campaigns and training sessions for tourism stakeholders
Increased promotion of Halal-certified restaurants and Muslim-friendly facilities
The GMTI report also noted the the expansion of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, which the DOT said became the first hotel group in the Philippines to be fully recognized as 100% Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishments across all 13 of its properties.
Megaworld's efforts were acknowledged at the Halal in Travel Awards 2025 in Singapore, where it was named "Muslim-Friendly Hotel Chain of the Year."
The report also highlighted the amenities offered at Megaworld properties, such as Qibla direction markers, prayer rugs upon request, water-friendly restrooms, Halal-certified food offerings, designated prayer spaces, and gender-separated spa areas. — VDV, GMA Integrated News
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
GMA Network
4 hours ago
- GMA Network
Marcos: OFWs deserve 'full support'
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Saturday that overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) should receive "full support" from the government as he provided updates on initiatives aimed at improving their welfare. In his speech to the Filipino community in Osaka, Japan, Marcos stated that the government is making sure that opportunities are available to OFWs who choose to retire in the Philippines. ''Hangad din namin maging maayos ang inyong pagdating at pag-alis sa ating bansa. Kaya naman naglaan tayo ng OFW Lounge sa airport para may lugar kung saan puwedeng magpahinga,'' he said. ''Masigasig din ang ating pakikipag-ugnayan sa iba't ibang bansang tumatanggap ng ating manggagawa para makabuo ng bilateral labor agreement upang matiyak natin na ligtas at makatao ang trabaho, at nabibigyan ng pagkakataong umunlad ang ating mga kababayan.'' (We also want your arrival and departure from our country to be smooth. That is why we have provided an OFW Lounge at the airport so that you can have a place to rest. We are also actively engaging with various countries that receive our workers to craft bilateral labor agreements so that we can ensure that work is safe and humane and that our compatriots are given the opportunity to succeed.) Marcos also recognized the sacrifices of OFWs to provide for their families in the Philippines. ''And that is why we will never tire of honoring you and finding ways to improve your lives. You are at the heart of our government's efforts, and you deserve not only our gratitude but also our full support,'' he said. Filipinos in Japan can also play a role in building "even stronger connections in shared values for a mutually stable, secure, and prosperous relationship between our two countries," the President said. 'This is why I hope you will join me and the Philippine nation in helping our community here in Japan to grow even more in love with the Philippines, to learn and embrace fully your Filipino identity, and to support our nation's aspirations for unity, for peace, and for prosperity,' he said. Marcos is in Japan for a working visit, which includes meetings with local businessmen and a visit to the Philippine Pavilion at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka. He is expected to return to the Philippines on Sunday. — Jiselle Anne Casucian/VBL, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
2 days ago
- GMA Network
Marcos meets with Japanese tourism sector
President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. met with Japanese tourism partners on Friday as part of his working visit in Japan. In a meeting with tourism stakeholders, Marcos was given an overview of key interests and opportunities for Philippine tourism in Japan. The stakeholders represent important areas of tourism, including industry associations, travel and tour companies, airlines and airports. Those part of the meeting were the Japan Tourism Agency (JTA), Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) Kansai / JTB West Japan Area Representative, Japan Philippines Tourism Council (JPTC), Kansai Regional Division, HIS Co., Ltd., Nippon Travel Agency, Hankyu Travel International Co., Ltd., Kansai Airports, Philippine Airlines (PAL), and Cebu Pacific. According to Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, Marcos highlighted his prioritization of tourism development through the help of infrastructure. She said the President mentioned the development of airports in the metro and in other regions. ''This was received very well by our Japanese stakeholders, especially considering that our data shows that Japanese travelers favor Cebu, Palawan, Boracay, Bohol, and are also very interested in other emerging island destinations across the country,'' she said. The President also gave his commitment as regards the Philippine government's continued prioritization of connectivity, Frasco said. Marcos also mentioned the Department of Tourism's Philippine Experience Heritage, Culture, and Arts Caravans. Meanwhile, Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene Garcia-Albano said Marcos wants to show his appreciation to all those who worked together in producing the Philippine Pavilion at the World Expo Osaka 2025. She also described relations between the Philippines and Japan as robust, with many sectors being active as a result of an exchange of high-level visits from both countries in recent months and years. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
2 days ago
- GMA Network
PH grants Taiwan passport holders visa-free entry starting July 1, 2025
The Philippine government announced it is granting Taiwan passport holders a visa-free entry starting July 1, 2025. In a social media post, the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) said Taiwan passport holders may enter the country for tourism purposes 'without a visa for a non-extendible and non-convertible period of 14 days.' The following requirements need to be presented: -passport valid for at least six months -confirmed hotel accommodation/booking -proof of financial capacity -return ticket or onward ticket to the next country of destination For Taiwan passport holders intending to stay in the Philippines for more than 14 days or for purposes other than tourism, a visa shall be required with the following requirements: -duly accomplished and signed visa application form -passport valid for at least six months -Taiwan ID -proof of round -rip ticket reservation, if any -visa application fee 'For other visa categories such as applications for multiple-entry visa, crew-list visa, and long-term visa, the standard requirements and procedures shall remain applicable,' MECO said. Earlier, Taiwan extended the visa-free privilege for Filipinos, as well as citizens of Thailand and Brunei for one year or from August 1, 2025 to July 31, 2026. The current visa-free privilege policy enjoyed by Filipinos is supposed to end on July 31, 2025.—LDF, GMA Integrated News
