MANILA, Philippines, May 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Philippines continues to strengthen its position as a rising Muslim-friendly destination in Asia, welcoming travelers from the Middle East and the wider Muslim world through a growing ecosystem of halal- and Muslim-friendly tourism experiences. This momentum is further complemented by the country's strong tourism and cultural ties with neighboring Muslim-majority countries such as Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia under the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).
Recently recognized by Mastercard-CrescentRating as a rising Muslim-friendly destination and ranked 8th among non-OIC destinations in the 2025 Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI), the Philippines continues to gain international recognition for its efforts in advancing halal- and Muslim-friendly tourism. Across the archipelago, travelers can now experience a growing range of accommodations, halal-certified dining establishments, cultural attractions, and tourism services designed to support the faith-based needs of Muslim travelers while offering authentic cultural and heritage experiences.
Beyond tourism infrastructure, the Philippines is also investing in workforce development, destination preparedness, and cultural awareness initiatives to strengthen the delivery of halal and Muslim-friendly tourism services nationwide. The Department of Tourism (DOT) continues to support this growth through the implementation of its Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishment (MFAE) Recognition Program across hotels and tourism establishments, while also encouraging halal certification among restaurants, accommodations, and tourism service providers throughout the country.
