Quezon city: The Philippines has made a remarkable leap in its appeal to Muslim travelers, climbing three places to secure the 5th spot among non-Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries in the latest Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) for 2026. This achievement marks the nation as the "standout performer" in the list of 20 Muslim-friendly destinations outside the OIC.
According to Philippines News Agency, the GMTI report, released by Mastercard and CrescentRating, highlighted that the Philippines exhibited the "single highest index momentum shift" among all non-OIC destinations. This progress is attributed to a strategic commitment to developing an inclusive tourism ecosystem that harmonizes the country's renowned hospitality with faith-compatible services.
The data reveals that the Philippines also improved its position in the global rankings, advancing nine places to 27th with a score of 58, up from last year's 53. This improvement places the country among the top 10 destinations where stakeholder awareness of Muslim travel needs and language accessibility is notably high, joining ranks with nations like Malaysia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Tawfiq Ikhtianto, CrescentRating's head for research and capacity building, emphasized the importance of the increasing number of halal-certified restaurants and hotels offering Muslim-friendly amenities in boosting the Philippines' score. He made these remarks during the Department of Tourism-led Salaam: Halal Travel and Trade Expo in Quezon City.
The GMTI report also credits the Department of Tourism's early inclusion of faith-based offerings in planning as a significant factor in enhancing the nation's visibility and attractiveness to Muslim travelers.
During the expo, Tourism Secretary Dita Mathay expressed enthusiasm about the new index and pledged further governmental efforts to enhance the Philippines' standing in future rankings. She emphasized the vital role of Muslim-friendly tourism in the agency's strategy for an inclusive and competitive tourism industry.
Mathay highlighted the potential of the halal economy as a significant growth sector, engaging nearly two billion consumers globally and generating substantial economic activity. She stressed that this translates into tangible benefits such as jobs, income, and business opportunities for the Philippines.
The ongoing Salaam expo, featuring over a dozen exhibitors, is part of the government's initiative to bolster the tourism segment. Additionally, Mathay announced plans to enhance halal certification capacity to build trust in the country's standards.
Collaboration with ASEAN partners, particularly Malaysia and Brunei, known for their robust halal ecosystems, is a priority for strengthening the domestic system and contributing to a more integrated regional halal economy.
The GMTI 2026 forecasts the global Muslim travel market to reach 208 million by 2026 and rapidly expand to 262 million by 2030. Furthermore, the Muslim population is projected to grow to 2.57 billion by 2036, with approximately 70 percent under the age of 40. This demographic trend underscores the need for travel destinations to evolve towards hyper-personalized, mobile-first discovery ecosystems.
