DOT launches “Muslim-Friendly Travelogue of the Philippines”

The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Tuesday launched the “Muslim-Friendly Travelogue of the Philippines,” a pioneering three-volume publication that showcases the country’s beauty, diversity, and inclusivity through the lens of Muslim-friendly travel.

Tourism is a vital industry for the Philippines, and since the COVID-19 pandemic, the country has been working to attract more visitors by developing Muslim-friendly destinations and ensuring the availability of halal products and services.

The milestone highlights the Philippines’ growing reputation as one of the top emerging Muslim-friendly destinations outside the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), reaffirming the government’s commitment to inclusive and culturally respectful tourism.

In 2023, visitor arrivals from Islamic and Muslim-populated countries reached 496,724, marking a 120 percent increase from 2022 figures.

“It is a guide and a roadmap for welcoming the world with respect, warmth, and understanding. Through the travelogue, visitors will discover historic sites that celebrate our shared heritage, culinary experiences that showcase our halal and Muslim-friendly offerings, and destinations designed to promote comfort, safety, and hospitality for all,” Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said.

The Secretary added that the travelogue offers a curated experience of the country’s historic Islamic sites, halal culinary offerings, and destinations that prioritize comfort and cultural respect for Muslim travelers.

Each volume of the travelogue explores a different aspect of Muslim-friendly travel:

Volume 1: Muslim-Friendly Philippines 101, traces the historical and cultural roots of Islam in the country.
Volume 2: Muslim-Friendly Travel, presents destinations, accommodations, and itineraries tailored for comfort and cultural sensitivity.
Volume 3: Muslim-Friendly Culinary Experiences, showcases halal and Muslim-friendly Filipino cuisine prepared by celebrated chefs from Mindanao and across the nation.

The launch builds on DOT’s ongoing efforts to promote Halal and Muslim-friendly tourism. These include the issuance of Memorandum Circular 2024-003 standardizing Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishments (MFAEs), organizing the SALAAM: Halal Tourism and Trade Expo, recognizing Megaworld Hotels & Resorts’ 13 properties as 100% MFAEs, and establishing Tourist Rest Areas in destinations such as Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

The DOT also supports landmark projects like Marhaba Cove in Boracay, further strengthening the Philippines’ position as a welcoming destination for Muslim travelers worldwide.