PH rises as Muslim-friendly destination in 2025 global index

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The Philippines has gained recognition as a welcoming country for Muslim travelers, climbing to 8th place in the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2025 among destination that are not part of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

The country improved its score to 53 in this year's GMTI, up 7 points compared to its 2024 performance when it ranked 12th.

The report, jointly produced by Mastercard and CrescentRating, was released this June and takes note of the country's ongoing efforts to build an inclusive and culturally sensitive tourism sector.

The Philippines is among non-OIC destinations that were described as making "strong gains" this year, along with Taiwan, Thailand, Ireland, and Australia. 

In the non-OIC tier, Singapore vaulted to the top spot with a score of 71, jumping 5 spots compared to last year.

The GMTI 2025 report said, "The Philippines is steadily positioning itself as a Muslim-friendly destination by strengthening its capacity to welcome Muslim travelers. Efforts focus on improving accessibility to Halal food and integrating Muslim-friendly features at key tourist sites."

The report also noted that Philippine tourism authorities have launched initiatives to expand Halal-certified dining and accommodations. Stakeholders, meanwhile, have been educated on Muslim visitors' needs.

"With these efforts and the promotion of its diverse culture and natural beauty, the Philippines is emerging as an appealing destination for Muslim travelers in Southeast Asia," the report said.

Inclusivity and diversity

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco welcomed the improved ranking, saying it affirms the government's efforts to promote inclusivity and expand the reach of Philippine tourism.

"This recognition for the Philippines by the Global Muslim Travel Index 2025 affirms our steady commitment to introduce the Philippines as a halal and Muslim-friendly destination, as well as transforming our leading and emerging tourist spots to become those that practice inclusivity and diversity regardless of race and faith," Frasco said.

"By prioritizing halal and Muslim-friendly tourism, we not only demonstrate our commitment to inclusivity and cultural sensitivity but also open up opportunities to attract more Muslim travelers from around the world, while expanding markets for our tourism stakeholders and creating more livelihood and employment for our fellow Filipinos," she added.

CrescentRating CEO Fazal Bahardeen said the "remarkable progress" of the Philippines, alongside Hong Kong and Taiwan, demonstrate a "genuine commitment to building inclusive and welcoming tourism ecosystems."

International Muslim tourist arrivals were reported to have reached 176 million in 2024, with forecasts expecting the number to grow to 245 million by 2030. By then, global Muslim travel spending is projected to hit $230 billion, underscoring the sector's economic importance.

Part of the Department of Tourism's inclusivity strategy under its National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023-2028 is the implementation of updated guidelines for the operations and recognition of Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishments.

The DOT has launched various programs to support Muslim-friendly tourism, including:

• SALAAM: The Halal Tourism and Trade Expo
• Marhaba Boracay–the first dedicated Muslim-friendly beach cove in Boracay Island
• Awareness campaigns and training sessions for tourism stakeholders
• Increased promotion of Halal-certified restaurants and Muslim-friendly facilities

The GMTI report also noted the the expansion of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, which the DOT said became the first hotel group in the Philippines to be fully recognized as 100% Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishments across all 13 of its properties.

Megaworld's efforts were acknowledged at the Halal in Travel Awards 2025 in Singapore, where it was named "Muslim-Friendly Hotel Chain of the Year."

The report also highlighted the amenities offered at Megaworld properties, such as Qibla direction markers, prayer rugs upon request, water-friendly restrooms, Halal-certified food offerings, designated prayer spaces, and gender-separated spa areas. — VDV, GMA Integrated News