The Department of Tourism (DOT) commenced the three-day SALAAM: The Halal Travel and Trade Expo Philippines 2024 at the Gateway Mall 2 Activity Center in Cubao, Quezon City.
The event was dedicated to highlighting Halal-certified and Muslim-friendly products, services, and tourism establishments and attractions. It not only emphasizes Halal Gastronomy but also delves into various facets of the Global Halal Economy, including Modest Fashion and Halal Travel.
Attendees and participants of the three-day event engaged in activities such as seminar workshops on various topics delving into Halal Tourism, culinary presentations, product showcases, cultural displays, a modest fashion show, and a wide array of rich tapestries of Muslim Culture.
In her keynote address during the opening ceremony, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco expounded on the DOT’s advocacy to promote Halal tourism in the Philippines, as envisioned by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for a multi-dimensional and inclusive tourism industry.
“To ensure that the Philippines is well-situated to capitalize on this global demand, our government is rapidly expanding our efforts to promote and enhance Halal and Muslim-friendly tourism in the Philippines.”
“To ensure that the Philippines is well-situated to capitalize on this global demand, our government, under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., is rapidly expanding our efforts to promote and enhance Halal and Muslim-friendly tourism in the Philippines,” Frasco said.
“We have placed Halal tourism high on our priority agenda to raise awareness among tourism stakeholders about the values and practices important to Muslim travelers.”
“Aligned with our National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP), we have placed Halal tourism high on our priority agenda to strengthen our Halal tourism portfolio, raise awareness among tourism stakeholders about the values and practices important to Muslim travelers, and ensure our competitiveness in the global tourism market,” the tourism chief added.
DOT officials with tourism head present at the opening program included Undersecretary Myra Paz Abubakar, who spearheaded the Expo organizing team, Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso, Assistant Secretary Judilyn Quiachon, with strong support and presence of Mindanao Region IX Director Dara May Cataluna, Region X Director Marie Elaine Unchuan, Region XI Director Tanya Virginia Rabat-Tan, and Region XII Director Nelia Arina, together with a number of central office directors and representatives of DOT attached agencies.
Other dignitaries and private sector personalities that participated at the opening day were Malaysian Ambassador Abdul Malik, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Congressman Mujiv Hataman, and Araneta Complex Vice President Lorna Fabian.
Meanwhile, highlights of the three-day program focused on the following themes: First Day – Halal and Muslim-Friendly Tourism, Second Day – Halal Certification Awareness and Muslim-Friendly Tourism Guidelines, Third Day – Halal Gastronomy Tourism.
