PH Advances To Rank 8 In Global Top 20 Muslim-Friendly Destinations List

The Philippines has climbed 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 GMTI 2025 report recognized how the Philippines “steadily positions” itself as a Muslim-friendly destination by enhancing its capacity to welcome Muslim travelers. I Photo: Megaworld Corporation

Rising from Rank 12 in 2024, the country earned a score of 53 this year—up by six points from 47 in the previous year.

The GMTI 2025 report, released by Mastercard and CrescentRating and published online on June 12, recognized how the Philippines “steadily positions” itself as a Muslim-friendly destination by enhancing its capacity to welcome Muslim travelers.

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

CrescentRating and HalalTrip Chief Executive Officer Fazal Bahardeen noted the “significant strides” made by 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 USD 230 billion, highlighting the growing influence and economic potential of this vibrant market,” the report added.

“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 transform our leading and emerging tourist spots into those that practice inclusivity and diversity regardless of race and faith,” said Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Frasco.

She emphasized that the DOT has been actively promoting halal and Muslim-friendly tourism as part of efforts to diversify the country’s tourism product portfolio under the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023–2028.

“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.

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

The DOT also introduced halal-certified dining options, recognized Muslim-friendly establishments across various tourism enterprises, and hosted awareness orientations for tourism stakeholders.

In both 2023 and 2024, the Halal in Travel Awards—an initiative that complements the GMTI—named the Philippines as the Emerging Muslim-Friendly Destination of the Year (Non-OIC).

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

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

The 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.

The GMTI 2025 recognized Megaworld’s various facilities and services tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers, including Qibla direction markers in guest rooms, designated public prayer spaces with separate areas for males and females, prayer rugs upon request, water-friendly toilets, halal-certified menus, a gender-separated spa facility, and a directory of nearby mosques.