MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Tourism (DOT) has committed to boosting Muslim-friendly tourism in the country, further developing it into a prime destination for nationalities from the Middle East.
Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco made this pronouncement on the sidelines of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024, where she met with 90 travel and tourism stakeholders from the Middle East.
It was also in the same event last year when the Philippines was named an Emerging Muslim-friendly Destination.
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“I’m so happy to join all of you today at the Arabian Travel Market where the Philippines will make its mark as the Emerging Muslim-friendly Destination for 2023, and hopefully we would be able to defend that very same title especially considering all the strides that have been made by our government to prioritize Muslim travelers from this region coming into our country,” Frasco said in her speech, as released by the DOT in a statement on Tuesday.
According to Frasco, the Philippines already saw high recovery rates in international arrivals from the Middle East since the 2020 pandemic, namely, the United Arab Emirates with a 419 percent recovery from 2019; Qatar with 547.97 percent recovery; and Kuwait with 130 percent.
MOU to boost halal-friendly properties
Meanwhile, during the opening of the Philippines Pavillion for the ATM at the Dubai World Trade Center, the DOT also signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Megaworld Hotels and Resorts (MHR).
Under the MOU, the DOT will engage MHR as a strategic partner in carrying out initiatives, from country branding, manpower training, product development, and related programs including the 2025 National Accommodation Standards, Halal and Muslim-friendly Tourism Standards and Guidelines, Balik Bayani sa Turismo, Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA)-accredited Merchant, and the Filipino Brand of Wellness.
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“Through the signing of this memorandum of agreement all of the MHR properties commit their properties to be Halal- and Muslim-friendly properties and, in addition to that, they will be our partners in furthering our country brand, Love the Philippines as well as to ensure the Filipinization of resort properties all over the country,” Frasco said.