Manila: The Philippines has made notable progress in the 2025 Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI), climbing three spots to secure the 8th position among non-Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries. This advancement reflects the country's ongoing efforts to enhance its appeal as a Muslim-friendly destination.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippines achieved a score of 53 this year, marking a significant improvement from the previous year's score of 47. The Halal in Travel Awards in 2023 and 2024 also recognized the Philippines as the Emerging Muslim-Friendly Destination of the Year (Non-OIC). Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Frasco expressed that this recognition affirms the country's commitment to promoting halal and Muslim-friendly tourism, emphasizing inclusivity across its tourist destinations.
The GMTI report, jointly published by Mastercard and CrescentRating, highlights the Philippines' efforts to accommodate Muslim travelers by improving access to halal food and integrating Muslim-friendly features at key tourist locations. CrescentRating and HalalTrip CEO Fazal Bahardeen acknowledged the progress made by non-OIC destinations like the Philippines in embracing the Muslim travel market.
The report also noted a significant increase in international Muslim arrivals, reaching 176 million in 2024, with projections of 245 million by 2030. The growing influence of this market is expected to result in travel spending of USD230 billion by 2030. The DOT is actively promoting halal and Muslim-friendly tourism as part of its National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023-2028, with initiatives such as introducing halal-certified dining options and launching the first Muslim-friendly cove in Boracay.
In Singapore, Megaworld Hotels and Resorts was recognized as the Philippines' first 'Muslim-Friendly Hotel Chain' at the Halal in Travel Awards 2025. The hotel chain, in partnership with the DOT, transformed its 13 properties into Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishments (MFAE), offering facilities and services tailored to Muslim travelers.
Cleofe Albiso, Managing Director of Megaworld Hotels and Resorts, emphasized the importance of inclusion and cultural harmony in her acceptance speech. The hotel group maintains halal-certified kitchens in several of its establishments, certified by the Halal International Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines (HICCIP).
Frasco celebrated this recognition as a historic milestone, reinforcing the vision of making the Philippines a welcoming destination for all travelers, particularly Muslims.
