The Philippines has emerged as one of the world’s most Muslim-friendly destinations, climbing to 8th place in the 2025 Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) for non-Organization of Islamic Cooperation (non-OIC) countries—a major leap from its 12th place finish in 2024.
The annual report by Mastercard and CrescentRating praised the country’s inclusive tourism strategy, which includes expanding access to halal-certified services, developing Muslim-friendly accommodations and integrating cultural sensitivity into tourism programs.
“This recognition affirms our steady commitment to introduce the Philippines as a halal and Muslim-friendly destination,” said Tourism secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, adding that inclusivity and diversity remain central to the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) long-term strategy under its National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023–2028.
Among the programs cited were the SALAAM Halal Tourism and Trade Expo, Marhaba Boracay, the first dedicated Muslim-friendly cove in the country and training sessions for tourism stakeholders to improve understanding of Muslim travelers’ needs.
The DOT’s collaboration with Megaworld Hotels & Resorts was also recognized, as it became the first hotel chain in the Philippines to be fully accredited as a 100% Muslim-friendly accommodation establishment across all 13 of its properties. The group was honored as “Muslim-Friendly Hotel Chain of the Year” at the Halal in Travel Awards 2025 in Singapore.
Facilities offered include Qibla direction markers, prayer rugs, gender-separated spa areas, halal-certified menus, and designated prayer spaces, a model now being pushed across the wider hospitality sector.
Global Muslim arrivals reached 176 million in 2024 and are forecasted to hit 245 million by 2030, with an expected $230 billion in travel spending.
“By prioritizing halal and Muslim-friendly tourism, we open up new markets, drive livelihood opportunities for Filipinos, and reinforce the Philippines’ image as a welcoming, culturally sensitive destination,” Frasco added.
CrescentRating CEO Fazal Bahardeen noted the Philippines’ “remarkable progress” alongside Hong Kong and Taiwan, calling it proof of a “genuine commitment to building inclusive and welcoming tourism ecosystems.”