Philippines Emerges as Global Halal Tourism Powerhouse, Ranking in Top 5

A vibrant beacon of unity and peace: Eid Mubarak from the stunning Pink Mosque (Masjid Dimaukom) in Maguindanao, Philippines, featuring the Department of Tourism’s official slogan, “Love the Philippines.”

Philippines Emerges as Global Halal Tourism Powerhouse, Ranking in Top 5

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | June 25, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines has significantly improved its global standing in the growing Halal tourism sector, securing a prestigious position among the Top 5 Muslim-friendly destinations for non-Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries in the highly anticipated Mastercard CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2026. This achievement, along with Mindanao’s designation as the Most Promising Muslim-Friendly Region in the same category, positions the Philippines as a formidable player in the multi-billion-dollar Halal economy.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is implementing a robust strategy to leverage Halal and Muslim-friendly tourism as a powerful engine for economic growth, investment, and regional integration. Speaking at the opening of SALAAM: The Halal Tourism and Trade Expo Philippines 2026 on Friday, June 19, Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to inclusive development, a core tenet of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision.

“The government’s Muslim-friendly tourism initiatives are designed not only to attract more international visitors but also to strengthen local industries and improve economic opportunities for Filipino communities,” Secretary Angara-Mathay stated to delegates from the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), Muslim entrepreneurs, tourism stakeholders, and development partners.

She highlighted that the global Halal economy, valued at nearly two billion consumers worldwide, extends beyond food certification to encompass a vast array of sectors, including tourism, hospitality, manufacturing, logistics, retail, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and financial services.

“Halal tourism matters. For the Philippines, it is a major opportunity. It is not a niche or a side market, but a growing global economy that we are now engaging more deliberately,” the Secretary asserted. “It connects tourism to agriculture, hospitality to manufacturing, and local communities to global markets.”

Accelerated Growth and Mainstreaming of Muslim-Friendly Initiatives

The Philippines’ rapid rise in the GMTI 2026 reflects a sustained national effort to enhance its Muslim-friendly tourism infrastructure. From a modest 17 Halal-certified accommodation establishments in 2024, the nation now boasts approximately 70 recognized properties as of 2026, with a significant pipeline of establishments actively pursuing certification and inspection.

Secretary Angara-Mathay highlighted the widespread adoption of Halal-compliant practices across the tourism industry. Establishments are increasingly integrating Halal food preparation, dedicated prayer facilities, culturally sensitive services, and specialized staff training to cater to the distinct needs of Muslim guests.

“At the Department of Tourism, Muslim-friendly tourism is a cornerstone of our strategy for building a more inclusive and competitive Philippine tourism industry. This is not a peripheral program; it is integral to how we are enhancing the entire visitor experience in our country,” she stated.

Illustrating this shift, the Secretary cited Megaworld Hotels and Resorts’ groundbreaking Marhaba Boracay, the first dedicated Muslim-friendly beach cove, as definitive proof that Muslim-friendly tourism is transitioning from a specialized offering to a mainstream hospitality strategy. This comprehensive approach includes worker training, developing robust Muslim-friendly accommodation standards, expanding access to Halal-certified food options, and ensuring the provision of culturally sensitive services across all destinations.

Forging a Unified Southeast Asian Halal Ecosystem

The strategic importance of BIMP-EAGA was profoundly underscored, recognizing the enduring cultural, trade, and people-to-people ties that bind communities in Mindanao, Sulu, Brunei, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

“Through cooperation on standards, certification expertise, and capacity-building, we aim to strengthen not only our domestic system but also contribute to a more integrated regional Halal economy,” Secretary Angara-Mathay affirmed.

The Philippines actively seeks to advance greater regional cooperation in Muslim-friendly tourism, advocating for efforts that foster a seamless travel experience across Southeast Asia. “From the perspective of a traveler, ASEAN is not experienced as separate countries. It is experienced as one continuous journey,” she added, emphasizing the shared vision for a unified regional travel destination.

Now in its third year, the SALAAM Expo serves as the DOT’s flagship platform, galvanizing tourism, trade, investment, and cultural stakeholders to forge partnerships and unlock opportunities within the rapidly expanding global Halal economy. The Expo, featuring an array of Muslim and Halal products and services from across the country, is open to the public until Sunday, June 21, at the Upper Ground Floor of Gateway Mall 2, Araneta City.

*         *         *

Influence the Influential. Power Truth. TheNATIONWEEK.com

More than news: we are a defining force in independent journalism, delivering rigorous, unbiased reporting to an engaged, opinion-shaping audience that values integrity. Partner with us to align your brand with trust, reach discerning leaders, and amplify your impact. Your message. Our mission. Unrivaled engagement. Email nationweek@yahoo.com today.