Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco was the Guest of Honor and Keynote Speaker at the opening ceremony of the inaugural edition of Philippine Halal Trade & Tourism Summit at the World Trade Center Metro Manila (WTCMM).
Addressing government officials and Halal stakeholders, travel and tourism, and allied industries, Frasco bared the latest initiatives of the DOT under the Marcos administration in expanding the country’s Halal and Muslim-friendly tourism offerings, while promoting and developing tourism in Mindanao. She likewise shared the rosy prospects of the Muslim travel market with its promising figures.
“Mindanao, with its lush landscapes and pristine beaches, as well as its vibrant and proud communities, is integral to our nation’s identity.”
“Islamic influence in the Philippines is deeply rooted in our history and culture, particularly in the southern region of Mindanao. This region, which is rich in natural beauty and cultural diversity, is a testament to the harmonious coexistence of various cultures and traditions here in our archipelagic nation. Mindanao, with its lush landscapes and pristine beaches, as well as its vibrant and proud communities, is integral to our nation’s identity. The people of Mindanao, with their warm hospitality and deep-rooted traditions, are integral parts of our cultural identity as Filipinos. And through initiatives that have been spearheaded by the national government, led by our President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., we have sought to ensure that Mindanao fully opens to tourism and that halal reaches the farthest corners of our country beyond Mindanao,” the tourism chief said.
“The global market for Halal tourism is burgeoning at an unprecedented rate, offering immense opportunities for our nation’s economic advancement.”
“The global market for Halal tourism is burgeoning at an unprecedented rate, offering immense opportunities for our nation’s economic advancement. This growth is poised to open new markets for our tourism stakeholders while also creating substantial livelihood and employment opportunities for our fellow Filipinos. Recognizing the significance of this global demand, our government, under the visionary leadership of our President, is intensifying its efforts to promote and elevate Halal and Muslim-friendly tourism in the Philippines. Through these concerted efforts, we are positioning our country at the forefront of this dynamic and lucrative industry,” the tourism head added.
Acknowledging the private sector’s continued support in growing halal, she shared the DOT’s plans for Halal and Muslim tourism as part of its multidimensional approach in diversifying the country’s tourism product portfolio, while equalizing tourism opportunities.
Among the latest initiatives of the DOT include the Memorandum of Understanding on Tourism with Qatar signed during the State Visit of the Amir of Qatar to the Philippines in April of this year and the tourism cooperation agreement with the Government of Brunei to further develop Halal Tourism in the Philippines, signed during President Marcos Jr.’s state visit to Brunei Darussalam in May of this year.
The DOT has also been actively pursuing the promotion of Halal and Muslim-friendly tourism through its flagship Philippine Experience Program (PEP): Heritage, Culture, and Arts Caravan, launched in various regions in Mindanao, the staging of the first-ever SALAAM: Halal Tourism and Trade Expo and “BISMILLAH: An Evening of Faith, Love, and the Flavors of Mindanao” events and participation in key international events like the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, the Halal in Travel Global Summit in Singapore, and the World Islamic Tourism Summit in Malaysia, among other initiatives.
Meanwhile, the DOT has also rolled out the amended guidelines for the operation and recognition of Muslim-friendly Accommodation Establishments (MFAEs) and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Megaworld Hotels and Resorts (MHR) to transform all thirteen of their properties into MFAEs. Following the DOT’s landmark agreement with MHR, Frasco shared that other major hospitality groups have since shown interest in pursuing similar certification.
She also announced the DOT’s upcoming Muslim-friendly Travelogue for the Philippines, which will be available in three volumes covering Islamic history, travel destinations, and culinary delights.
In support of Muslim-friendly tourism, Frasco likewise announced her directive to discuss and explore with the DOT’s infrastructure arm, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), the possibility of adding prayer rooms in Tourist Rest Areas, specifically those located in Mindanao.
She shared that the DOT, in partnership with the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), will soon develop ecoHalal tourism circuits aimed at boosting local economies and promoting sustainable and culturally sensitive tourism practices. Plans are already underway for another edition of the SALAAM Expo in 2025, along with continuing training and certifications for more MFAEs.
In closing, she emphasized the significance of the Summit as she extended the Department’s hand of collaboration to the stakeholders present.
“The Philippine Halal Summit 2024 embodies our shared vision to create a more inclusive and welcoming Philippines. The milestones we have achieved and the plans we have set forth reflect our commitment to excellence in service, cultural sensitivity, and sustainable development. As we move forward, let us build on these achievements and strive to make the Philippines a top destination for Halal and Muslim-friendly tourism. Together, we can foster a tourism landscape that celebrates our rich cultural heritage and allows for more economic opportunities for our fellow Filipinos,” Frasco concluded.
