MANILA – The Philippines rose by three spots to rank 8 in the 2025 Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) list of the top 20 Muslim-friendly destinations among non-Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) members.

The Philippines received a score of 53 this year, up by six points from last year's 47.

In 2023 and 2024, the Halal in Travel Awards, which also honors countries in the GMTI rankings, recognized the Philippines as the Emerging Muslim-Friendly Destination of the Year (Non-OIC).

“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,” Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Frasco said in a statement on Tuesday.

“With a country such as the Philippines that is known for its warm hospitality, rich cultural heritage, and breathtaking natural attractions, introducing halal and Muslim-friendly tourism has been crucial in our work at the Department of Tourism,” she added.

The GMTI report by Mastercard and CrescentRating was officially published online on June 12. It recognized how the Philippines “steadily positions” itself as a Muslim-friendly destination by strengthening its capacity to welcome Muslim travelers.

It also cited the country’s efforts in improving accessibility to halal food and integrating Muslim-friendly features at key tourist sites.

In the foreword for the GMTI 2025, CrescentRating and HalalTrip Chief Executive Officer Fazal Bahardeen recognized “significant strides” among non-OIC destinations in embracing the Muslim travel market.

“The remarkable progress of destinations like Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the Philippines, driven by proactive government strategies, showcases a genuine commitment to building inclusive and welcoming tourism ecosystems,” he said.

According to the report, international Muslim arrivals reached 176 million in 2024, up by 25 percent from 2023, and are projected to grow to 245 million by 2030.

“By then, total travel spending is expected to reach USD230 billion, highlighting the growing influence and economic potential of this vibrant market,” it said.

The DOT said it actively promotes halal and Muslim-friendly tourism as it diversifies the country’s tourism product portfolio under the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023-2028.

The agency, in April 2024, issued Memorandum Circular 2024-003 or the Amended Guidelines Governing the Operations and Recognition of Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishments.

It also introduced halal-certified dining options, recognizing Muslim-friendly establishments across various tourism establishments, and hosting awareness orientations for tourism stakeholders.

The first Muslim-friendly cove in Boracay or the Marhaba Boracay was also recently launched at Megaworld’s township on the island.

The pioneering project transformed a 300-meter stretch of white-sand beach at Boracay Newcoast Cove 2 into a dedicated Muslim-friendly zone, complete with family-oriented amenities and private spaces designed for Muslim women and children.

First Muslim-friendly hotel chain

At the Halal in Travel Awards 2025 in Singapore, Megaworld Hotels & Resorts was hailed as the Philippines’ first-ever “Muslim-Friendly Hotel Chain” by CrescentRating.

Since signing a partnership deal with the DOT in 2024, Megaworld Hotels & Resorts has transformed all its 13 properties as Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishments (MFAE), making it the first hotel group in the Philippines to achieve this milestone in record time.

The GMTI 2025 likewise acknowledged the group’s various facilities and services tailored to meet the needs of Muslim travelers.

“These include Qibla direction markers in guest rooms, the availability of prayer rugs upon request, water-friendly toilets, and a list of nearby mosques,” the annual report said.

It took note of the halal-certified menus, designated public prayer space with separate areas for males and females, and a gender-separated spa facility in Megaworld Hotels and Resorts’ properties.

Megaworld Hotels & Resorts Managing Director Cleofe Albiso said this award reflects the “Philippines’ growing spirit of openness, learning, and cultural harmony.”

“It is our heartfelt invitation to our Muslim brothers and sisters around the world — to make the Philippines, Asia’s Pearl of the Orient, your next home away from home,” she said in her acceptance speech in Singapore.

“As we celebrate this moment, we are reminded that inclusion is not an endpoint — it is a continuous path of learning, listening, and improving. We know there is still more to do, and we embrace that with open hearts and renewed purpose,” she added.

Frasco, who had actively championed a Muslim-friendly hospitality sector, hailed the citation as a “historic recognition.”

“This milestone reinforces our shared vision of making the Philippines a home for all travelers, especially our Muslim brothers and sisters around the world,” she added.

The hotels group maintains halal-certified kitchens in six of its hotels — Kingsford Hotel Manila, Grand Westside Hotel, Hotel Lucky Chinatown, Savoy Hotel Boracay, Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown, and Belmont Hotel Mactan.

Each of these facilities is certified by the Halal International Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines (HICCIP). (PNA)