In a landmark initiative aimed at promoting Muslim-friendly tourism, the Philippines unveiled “Marhaba Boracay,” a dedicated Muslim-friendly cove, on Tuesday, September 10, 2024.
Located in the Boracay Newcoast Area, this special-use area is designed to cater to the needs of Muslim travelers and families, taking into consideration Islamic laws.
The unveiling ceremony, led by Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, saw the participation of various dignitaries, including Malay Mayor Frolibar Bautista, Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Dato Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, BARMM Ministry of Trade, Investments, and Tourism officials, Boracay Muslim Community members, Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR) representatives, and tourism industry stakeholders.
“Marhaba Boracay,” patterned after similar initiatives in destinations like the Maldives and Thailand, represents a significant step forward in the Philippines’ commitment to promoting Halal and Muslim-friendly tourism.
The initiative comes on the heels of the country’s recognition as an Emerging Muslim-friendly Destination in the Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) for both 2023 and 2024.
The DOT, under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., is actively promoting Halal and Muslim-friendly tourism across the Philippines. This includes ensuring that diverse destinations offer prayer rooms, halal food options, and other amenities that cater to the cultural and religious needs of Muslim travelers.
“Marhaba Boracay” marks a pivotal moment in diversifying tourism offerings and welcoming a wider range of visitors to the island. This initiative is expected to attract more Muslim travelers and further solidify the Philippines’ position as a leading destination for Muslim-friendly tourism in the region.
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