PH HAILED 'EMERGING MUSLIM-FRIENDLY' STATE

THE Philippines bagged the "Emerging Muslim-Friendly Destination of the Year" citation during the Halal in Travel Global Summit 2023 in Singapore on Thursday.

The summit recognizes destinations, organizations, businesses and individuals that have had a major influence on the Muslim lifestyle tourism market.

"This award is an affirmation of our collaborative efforts toward positioning the Philippines as a preferred destination for Muslim travelers and strategically developing our Halal Tourism portfolio across our regions," Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said.

Undersecretary Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar received the award as Philippine representative.

The recognition is given to destinations that cater to the specific needs and preferences of Muslim tourists.

The Muslim travel market is expected to push tourism growth in the country, with forecasts of Muslim travelers arrivals reaching 140 million in 2023 and ballooning to 230 million in subsequent years with estimated spending of $225 billion by 2028.

"We hope to continue the great stride on tourism promotion and economic boost in our country for our Muslim brothers and sisters who are arriving in the Philippines and who are surely welcome to visit and explore our more than 7,000 islands with majestic white sand beaches and warm people," Valderrosa-Abubakar said.

2023-06-03T16:47:25Z dg43tfdfdgfd