The Philippines won the Emerging Muslim-friendly Destination of the Year award at the Halal in Travel Global Summit 2023 in Singapore, last June 1, according to Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Frasco.

The said event recognizes travel destinations, organizations, companies, and individuals who have made an impact on Muslim travelers.

The Muslim travel market will raise the tourism industry’s growth with a forecast that Muslim travelers will reach 140 million this year and in the upcoming years with $230 million with estimated expenditures of $225 billion dollars by 2028.

Frasco said that the award is an affirmation of collaborative efforts with a vision of the Philippines becoming a preferred destination for Muslim travelers, as well as, strategically developing the Philippines’ Halal Tourism portfolio across all regions.

“This global recognition also opens up enormous opportunities for our country to introduce our rich and diverse culture and heritage evident in our Muslim communities, and our immensely beautiful destinations, including Mindanao,” Frasco added.

The DOT is driven in growing the country’s halal tourism portfolio as part of the priorities in the National Tourism Development Plan (2023-2028), according to Frasco.

In order to provide the needs of Muslim Travelers, the DOT has applied various services and amenities including the conduct of an inventory of Halal-certified dining options, Halal accreditations for tourism, Halal Awareness Orientations with Tourism Stakeholders, and talks on values, beliefs, and practices of Muslim Travelers.

Frasco said that the DOT continues to follow sustainable tourism projects and has partnered with Agora to supply the Philippines’ offerings to the Eastern market with quality medical and wellness tourism.

The Emerging Muslim-friendly Destination of the Year award meets the needs and preferences of Muslim travelers.