The Philippines has climbed three spots to place eighth among non‑Islamic countries in the 2025 Global Muslim Travel Index, the Department of Tourism announced June 17.
This marks a substantial jump from 12th place last year, driven by efforts to improve halal food access, prayer-friendly facilities, and cultural inclusivity—even launching a Muslim‑friendly beach in Boracay.
The rise aligns the country with peers like Thailand, Ireland, and Spain, which are also recognized for their appeal to Muslim tourists .
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco described the recognition as proof that “we are on the right track” in positioning the Philippines as a halal and Muslim-friendly destination, aiming to cater to a projected 245 million Muslim travelers by 2030.