Guess what? The Philippines just jumped 3 places up and is now #8 among the best Muslim-friendly travel destinations in the world (for countries not part of the OIC 🌍)! But how did this happen?
Let’s break it down so even a 4th grader can get it! 🧒📚
🏝️ What’s the Big Deal?
A new report called the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) came out, and it shows how welcoming different countries are to Muslim travelers. This year, the Philippines scored 53 points — way better than last year’s 47!
👳♀️ So, What Did the Philippines Do Right?
The Philippines made Muslim tourists feel safe and welcome. Here’s how:
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Made more halal food available 🍛
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Added Muslim-friendly spaces like prayer areas 🕌
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Trained hotels and tourism workers to understand Muslim needs
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Made sure signs and menus show Qibla directions, offer prayer rugs, and even built bathrooms that use water-friendly toilets 🚽
🌴 Special Muslim Zone in Boracay?!
Yep! A part of Boracay’s beach — 300 meters long — is now called “Marhaba Boracay”. It’s made especially for Muslim families, with private areas for women and kids. 💕🌊
🏨 First-Ever Muslim-Friendly Hotel Chain
Megaworld Hotels & Resorts became the first in the Philippines to fully support Muslim travelers. They:
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Have halal-certified kitchens 👨🍳
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Built gender-separated spas
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Provide prayer spaces
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And make all 13 of their hotels Muslim-friendly!
🌟 Why Does It Matter?
By 2030, 245 million Muslim travelers will be going on vacations, spending around $230 billion. That’s a HUGE market — and the Philippines wants to be ready.
💬 What Did Officials Say?
Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said this shows that the Philippines is truly becoming a home for all travelers, no matter their faith or race.
Hotel boss Cleofe Albiso added: “We’re just getting started. Inclusion isn’t a destination — it’s a journey.”
✨ So next time a Muslim family plans a trip…
They might just say: “Let’s go to the Philippines!” 🇵🇭💼
