QUEZON CITY, (PIA) — The Department of Tourism National Capital Region (DOT-NCR) is intensifying efforts to develop halal tourism in Metro Manila, targeting the growing Muslim traveler market through strategic accreditation and awareness programs, a senior tourism official said Tuesday.
Catherine Causay Agsutin, Assistant Regional Director for DOT-NCR, highlighted the agency’s comprehensive approach to positioning the capital region as a Muslim-friendly destination, including halal establishment accreditations and stakeholder orientation programs, during the weekly Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas media forum presented by the Presidential Communications Office and the Philippine Information Agency-NCR.
“So for halal tourism the DOT of course included the introduction of halal accreditation to our establishments not only in Metro Manila but across the regions,” Agustin said.
“We have been conducting halal awareness orientations also for our tourism stakeholders. In fact, there are also a lot of halal events like the Halal Expo Travel Fair that was recently conducted in Metro Manila. This is to showcase also the halal-friendly, Muslim-friendly tourism offering of the country,” she added.
While region-specific revenue projections were undefined during the forum, global halal tourism market trends suggest significant potential. The global Muslim travel market was valued at approximately $187 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $300 billion by 2026, according to the Global Muslim Travel Index.
“For the leads, of course, were looking at this as our source market also because we’re looking at the Muslim tourist arrival as our potential source market,” Agustin said.
The DOT-NCR’s initiatives include recent halal tourism events like the Halal Expo Travel Fair in Metro Manila, designed to showcase the country’s Muslim-friendly tourism offerings and attract international Muslim travelers.
Southeast Asian countries, particularly Malaysia and Indonesia, have been leaders in halal tourism development. The Philippines is positioning itself to capture a share of this growing market by developing infrastructure, services, and awareness programs catering to Muslim travelers’ specific needs.
Key strategies involve creating halal-certified dining options, prayer facilities, and culturally sensitive tourism experiences across major destinations, with a particular focus on Metro Manila and key tourist regions.
The tourism department aims to leverage the country’s diverse cultural landscape and growing international reputation as a welcoming destination for global travelers.
The agency’s efforts align with broader national economic strategies to diversify tourism offerings and attract international visitors from diverse markets. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
