Latest news with #Muslim-friendly
GMA Network
2 days ago
- Business
- GMA Network
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
Mid East Info
3 days ago
- Business
- Mid East Info
Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index reveals trends shaping the future of Halal travel - Middle East Business News and Information
10th annual report spotlights leading Muslim-friendly destinations worldwide Dubai, UAE; June, 2025 – As awareness of Muslim travelers' needs grows, Halal travel is increasingly shaping how destinations design and deliver experiences. According to the newly released 2025 Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI), international Muslim arrivals reached 176 million in 2024 – up 25% from 2023 – and are projected to grow to 245 million by 2030. By then, total travel spending is expected to reach USD$230 billion, highlighting the growing influence and economic potential of this vibrant market. To stay competitive, travel and tourism stakeholders must adapt to the evolving needs of Muslim travelers, prioritizing purpose, inclusivity, and digital innovation. The 10th edition of the GMTI identifies the key trends and destination leaders shaping the future of Halal-friendly travel. Key Consumer Trends Impacting Halal Travel: GMTI 2025 highlights five important trends shaping Muslim travel preferences today: Smart Apps for Halal Journeys: Muslim travelers are embracing digital tools that offer seamless access to faith-aligned services and personalized experiences. The Modern Female Muslim Traveler: Women are shaping the Halal travel sector in powerful ways, driving demand for safer, inclusive, and thoughtfully designed spaces. Muslim-friendly facilities: Destinations that offer alcohol-free environments, Halal-certified dining, prayer facilities, and gender-segregated pools and spas are becoming essential. Solo Travel Surge: Younger Muslim travelers are embracing solo adventures, favoring autonomy and personalized itineraries. Digital Detox Retreats: Inspired by Islamic values of mindfulness and balance, many travelers are seeking tech-free escapes rooted in nature and spirituality. Destinations Leading the Way in Muslim-Friendly Travel The GMTI 2025 highlights leading destinations around the world that are setting benchmarks in Muslim-friendly travel. Among OIC destinations, Malaysia retains the top spot, recognized for its accessible Halal-friendly services and infrastructure. Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) share the second spot, each offering a strong combination of cultural heritage, modern amenities, and dedicated efforts to enhance the Muslim travel experience. Indonesia also ranks highly, supported by its rich cultural appeal. Other notable destinations in the Gulf region include Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait, all of which continue to strengthen their offerings for Muslim travelers. Among non-OIC destinations, Singapore remains the leader – recognized for its emphasis on inclusivity and cultural sensitivity. Thailand and the Philippines are steadily emerging as rising Muslim-friendly destinations in Southeast Asia. Thailand offers warm hospitality and a growing range of Halal-certified services, while the Philippines is enhancing its capacity to serve Muslim travelers through better Halal food access and Muslim-friendly features at key tourist sites. In addition, Hong Kong has emerged as standout non-OIC destination, ranking third in the GMTI 2025. The city has invested significantly in Muslim-friendly infrastructure, with 61 hotels accredited by CrescentRating and 153 restaurants Halal-certified by the Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong. Hong Kong also received the Most Promising Muslim-Friendly Destination of the Year award, part of the Global Muslim Travel Index Awards. Taiwan has also continuously positioned itself as a Muslim-friendly destination, offering a welcoming environment that respects cultural and religious diversity. Over 230 restaurants and hotels have been Halal-certified by the Chinese Muslim Association, many of which include separate kitchens to meet dietary requirements. With the global Muslim travel market entering a dynamic new growth phase, GMTI 2025 serves as a timely guide for stakeholders looking to tap into this fast-evolving landscape.
Arab Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Arab Times
Hong Kong named ‘Most Promising Muslim-friendly Destination' by GMTI 2025
HONG KONG, June 16: Hong Kong has been recognised as the third most Muslim-friendly travel destination among non-Islamic economies in the Mastercard-CrescentRating 2025 Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI), marking an improvement of one position from the previous year. While the recognition is seen as a positive step, industry insiders believe there is still room to better attract Muslim visitors. The Hong Kong Tourism Board announced the ranking on Friday, along with news that the city was also awarded the title of 'Most Promising Muslim-friendly Destination of the Year.' CrescentRating, a Singapore-based consultancy specialising in the Muslim travel market, was commissioned by the Tourism Board last year to assess and rate Hong Kong's facilities in terms of Muslim-friendliness. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu expressed his satisfaction with the accolade on social media, stating that the recognition highlights Hong Kong's efforts to promote halal tourism. He noted that enhancing Muslim-friendly offerings was part of his policy agenda from the previous year. 'I am grateful for the active participation of various industries in promoting halal tourism, which has significantly enhanced our tourism offerings,' Lee said. 'The government will continue to strengthen promotional efforts to enhance Hong Kong's Muslim-friendly image and encourage more businesses to provide high-quality services.' Peter Lam Kin-ngok, chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, also welcomed the recognition. He said the Board had worked closely with the government and industry partners to position the city as a Muslim-friendly destination through accreditation, education, and promotion. 'We have also helped build closer ties with the Middle East and ASEAN countries in recent years,' Lam added. The GMTI report highlighted Hong Kong's increasing efforts to attract Muslim tourists and diversify its visitor market. Since June last year, over 60 establishments have received Muslim-friendly accreditation from CrescentRating. So far, 61 hotels in Hong Kong have been rated for their Muslim-friendliness by CrescentRating, with nine achieving the highest score of five. These include the Island Shangri-La, Dorsett Tsuen Wan, and Kerry Hotel. Ratings range from one to seven, though scores of six and seven are reserved for accommodations that meet the full range of needs for 'halal-conscious' travellers. Globally, Singapore topped the list of non-Islamic destinations, followed by the United Kingdom. Taiwan ranked fourth and Thailand fifth. Among Islamic destinations, Malaysia ranked first, followed by Turkey, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Indonesia. Despite Hong Kong's progress, Sharifa Leung, founder of the halal food consultancy Hani Halal, pointed out challenges that still exist in truly understanding halal practices and Muslim culture. 'Many businesses, including hotels and restaurants, lack proper staff training,' said Leung, a third-generation Muslim Hongkonger. 'They're eager to obtain certification, but often before fully grasping the reasons behind the practices.' Leung highlighted issues such as shared ablution facilities that overlook the need for gender separation, or prayer rooms with large reflective windows that contradict Islamic norms of minimal distraction during prayer. She also noted confusion in some food outlets where non-halal dishes were assumed to become halal after prayers, or Urdu script was mistaken for Arabic. 'Expanding halal food options is essential, but enhancing the overall tourist experience matters just as much,' Leung said. 'We need greater involvement of the Muslim community, cultural connection-building, and targeted events for Muslim travellers.' She emphasized that investing in professional training would ensure hospitality staff are better equipped to cater to Muslim guests and that businesses owned or managed by Muslims tend to earn greater trust from Muslim travellers.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Happy Meal Bakery: Chinatown's 20+ y.o. bakery serving moist banana cake, rich durian puff & silky egg tarts on a budget
As the heart of KL grows ever more congested, and the air turns thick with traffic fumes, it's no wonder some of us have quietly drifted away from it. I used to wander down Jalan Tun H S Lee often for the flower stalls lining the pavement. These days, even they've become more expensive, thanks to inflation and life's little inevitabilities. Perhaps it was the crowded display of sunflowers and baby breath spilling over the curb that kept me from noticing the establishment nestled just beside them: Happy Meal Bakery. If, like me, you've traded the city's chaos for quieter corners and haven't yet stumbled upon this humble, time-worn bakery, allow me to let you in on something lovely. I can't quite say how long they've been around. Some sources claim over 2 decades, while loyal customers say it's been even longer, recalling childhood afternoons spent picking out sweet treats from behind those same glass counters. Before my visit, I'll admit, my expectations were rather low. It's not that I have anything against old-school spots, but too often lately, the charm of nostalgia is dampened by steep prices or declining quality. There are bakeries I hold close to my heart, of course, but many have become occasional indulgences rather than everyday comforts due to, again, sky-high prices. When I arrived, I was met with rows of fresh bakes that looked anything but dry or dull, and the prices were refreshingly affordable. Even better, the bakery is Muslim-friendly. While it's not certified halal by JAKIM, they refrain from using pork, lard, or alcohol in their offerings. Not to spoil the surprise so soon, but I must confess. While picking out my treats, I kept reminding myself to not let greed get the better of me. Yet, less than an hour after returning home, with every crumb gone and not a trace left behind, I realised I'd made a grave mistake: I should've bought more. Either way, I settled with the popular options among customers (which I gathered from Google reviews), and let me bring you the first one: Banana Cake (RM5 for small). At first glance, it was already promising. It was the kind of cake with tight, generous pores that screamed moist, not dry. The surface had that gentle, almost glossy sheen, the kind that catches light like sun on ripened fruit. When I picked it up, the cake yielded ever so slightly to my fingers, leaving behind a light trace of oil. To me, that's a love letter from a banana cake that knows exactly what it's doing. Biting into it was nothing short of heavenly. The banana taste was there but not too overpowering on the palate. It was moist and fluffy, and most importantly, it wasn't too sweet! Kafei Dian: Dine under RM20 at century-old post office serving famous Hainanese chicken chop & Penang prawn noodles Next on the list was what I had imagined to be the banana cake's zesty cousin. Also priced at RM5 for a small portion, the Poppyseed & Cranberry Cake fell a touch flat. Instead of the tart brightness I'd anticipated, what I got was something closer to a standard butter cake. It lacked the punch of cranberry I had quietly looked forward to. Nestled at the bottom were just 2 solitary pieces of dried cranberry, as if they'd wandered in by accident and never made it to the party. But don't let that minor hiccup dampen your spirits, the show was far from over. From their cream puff offerings, I couldn't resist picking the Durian Puff (RM9 for 4 pieces), and what a glorious decision that turned out to be. For the price, the portions were more than generous. The pillowy puffs were each brimming with a luscious filling that seemed ready to escape at the lightest touch. Even before I took a bite, the unmistakable, heady perfume of durian greeted me like an old friend. Love it or loathe it, there's no mistaking that scent. And for me, it was a prelude to indulgence. The first bite was nothing short of divine. The sweet, bold essence of durian bloomed instantly, wrapped in a cloud of whipped cream that was rich without being cloying. The cream leaned slightly on the greasier side and wasn't the light-as-air type, but it melded beautifully with the durian. Of course, I couldn't leave without sampling the stars of the show, their famed tarts. I picked the Coconut Tart (RM3.50) and their classic Egg Tart (RM2.50). The Coconut Tart, at first glance, appeared a little on the dry side, the kind you'd expect to crumble the moment you touch it. But oh, how deceiving looks can be. It yielded effortlessly as I tore it in half, revealing a soft, semolina-based interior that held its shape beautifully. It was moist, dense, and almost fudgy in texture. The Egg Tart, too, split easily into 2 clean halves with nothing more than my hands. This one leaned towards the agar-like spectrum, rather than the creamy, custardy type. The egg flavour was subtle, understated, while the crust provided a delicate crunch without disintegrating into a shower of crumbs. It's been quite some time since an old-timer managed to charm me like Happy Meal Bakery did. While the Poppyseed & Cranberry Cake didn't quite hit the mark, the rest more than made up for it. Each bite quietly reminds me of why places like this still matter. By the next morning, I found myself already plotting a return, fingers twitching to tap my card to the nearest MRT station. Expected damage: RM2.50 – RM5 per pax Din Sun Kopitiam: Must-try affordable dragon fruit dim sum, salted egg bun & chee cheong fun in Chinatown The post Happy Meal Bakery: Chinatown's 20+ y.o. bakery serving moist banana cake, rich durian puff & silky egg tarts on a budget appeared first on
The Star
10-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Hanoi ready to cash in on growing halal tourism market
HANOI: The global halal tourism sector is a billion-dollar opportunity, an emerging market brimming with untapped potential. As one of Vietnam's leading tourism destinations, Hanoi is wasting no time in tapping into this growing space. With 57 member states in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and more than 2.2 billion Muslims worldwide, the halal tourism market offers not just massive scale, but also strong spending power. In 2023 alone, global Muslim travel spending topped US$220 billion, and it's projected to surpass $300 billion by 2026. Across the globe, more countries are beginning to view halal tourism as a key growth area. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chính has expressed his ambition for Vietnam to become a recognised player in the global halal sector, turning halal tourism into a national strength and making Vietnam a must-visit destination on the global halal map. As a tourism hub, Hanoi is now actively developing strategies to attract Muslim travellers. In recent years, the city has seen a notable uptick in visitors from countries with large Muslim populations. In 2024, Hanoi welcomed around 650,000 visitors from India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Brunei, Qatar, and more, accounting for roughly 15 per cent of the city's total international arrivals. The upward trend has continued into the first five months of 2025. Beyond existing strengths like the Al-Noor Mosque at No. 12 Hang Luoc Street in Hoan Kiem District, or its reputation on global platforms as a safe and female-friendly destination, Hanoi has been expanding its range of Muslim-friendly services. Several hotels meet halal standards, such as Melia Hanoi and InterContinental Hanoi Landmark72. Others, including Duparc, Grand Mercure, Pullman, Movenpick Living West Hanoi, JW Marriott, and Sofitel Legend Metropole, also offer halal dining options. A growing number of halal restaurants and eateries such as D'Lions (92 Le Duan) and Khazaana (11 Ly Thai To) – are also enhancing the city's appeal. Nguyen Quy Phuong, head of the International Relations and Tourism Promotion Division at the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT), underlined that Hanoi is well-positioned to become a leader in halal tourism. Mieu Abbas, chairman of Halal Vietnam, stated that with its position as Vietnam's political, cultural and tourism capital, Hanoi has every chance to lead in building a high-standard halal tourism ecosystem. Despite the promising numbers, halal tourism in Hanoi, like in much of Vietnam, is still in its early stages. Experts said close coordination is needed between government agencies, businesses, international organisations and partners at home and abroad. Nguyen Manh Than, chairman of the Hanoi Tourism Association, explained that due to religious and cultural sensitivities, halal tourists have very specific requirements, particularly when it comes to food, worship spaces, and cultural respect. He held that Vietnam is moving from awareness to action in developing this segment despite certain challenges, he added. One sign of Hanoi's growing commitment to the Halal market was the recent Hanoi Tourism Festival 2025, themed 'Experience Hanoi 2025.' For the first time, the event featured culinary booths representing India, Malaysia, Iran, and Palestine, offering visitors a taste of diverse Halal cuisines and a chance to engage with Muslim communities. The municipal Department of Tourism also hosted a roundtable on developing Halal-compliant agri-tourism, inviting industry experts to share insights. One of the standout voices was Vo Ngoc Han, CEO of Phan Gia Xanh Garden based in Nha Trang City of Khanh Hoa Province, who has successfully welcomed Muslim tourists to his halal-certified rural tourism site. He held that following halal standards, hosting halal tourists isn't difficult as there are over 2 billion people with the same basic needs. What's hard is when every guest has completely different demands. Halal food can be enjoyed by everyone, but regular food can't be eaten by Muslims, Han explained. Han emphasised that understanding Muslim culture is essential. Mieu Abbas underlined that it's a strategic opportunity for Vietnam to strengthen its global presence through quality, ethics, and professional readiness. He recommended Hanoi create a dedicated halal tourism guide, offer regular training and consultancy for local businesses, and establish a halal tourism promotion centre to connect with global markets. According to Tran Trung Hieu, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Tourism, the city will draft specific policies to boost halal tourism as a strategic segment in its international expansion plans. These will include investment incentives, staff training, communications campaigns, and new experience-based tourism products tailored for halal travellers. — Vietnam News/ANN
