Philippines Ranks 8th in Muslim-Friendly Travel List for 2025

If you're a traveller looking for a destination that warmly welcomes diverse cultures and faiths, you’ll be pleased to know that the Philippines is now ranked 8th in the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) in 2025. Climbing four spots from last year’s 12th place, the country is gaining recognition for its growing efforts to become more Muslim-Friendly and inclusive, especially for non-Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) destinations.

This exciting development was highlighted in the latest report released by Mastercard and CrescentRating, showing that the Philippines' GMTI score improved from 47 in 2024 to 53 in 2025. But what does this mean for Muslim travellers, and what’s fuelling this positive shift?

Also read: Boracay Muslim-Dedicated Beach: A Haven for Privacy and Culture

Halal tourism and inclusive experiences

Marhaba Boracay | Megaworld Corporation Official Facebook Page

The rise in rankings is no accident. The Department of Tourism (DOT), led by Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, has been consistently rolling out initiatives to promote halal tourism and faith-sensitive travel experiences. These programmes are all part of the country’s broader National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023–2028, which aims to make travel in the Philippines not just enjoyable, but inclusive and accessible to all.

Some of the highlights include improved access to halal-certified food, designated prayer spaces, and culturally respectful experiences in major tourist areas. Key events like the SALAAM Halal Tourism and Trade Expo and the launch of Marhaba Boracay, a dedicated Muslim-Friendly beach area, further showcase the country’s commitment to this niche but fast-growing sector.

Hotels getting it right

Image credit: Megaworld Hotels & Resorts | Official Facebook Page

A big win in this movement comes from the private sector. Megaworld Hotels & Resorts made headlines as the first hotel group in the country to have all 13 of its properties officially recognised as 100% Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishments (MFAE). Thanks to this, guests can now enjoy features like Qibla direction markers, prayer rugs on request, halal-certified kitchens, and gender-separated spa facilities.

This achievement earned Megaworld the title of Muslim-Friendly Chain of the Year at the Halal in Travel Awards 2025 held in Singapore. It’s a big deal for travellers who value comfort and faith-based convenience without compromising the overall travel experience.

Why this matters for travel and tourism

With the number of international Muslim travellers reaching 176 million in 2024, and projections of up to 245 million by 2030, spending around USD 230 billion globally, this focus on Muslim-Friendly tourism is timely. For the Philippines, it's not just about increasing tourist arrivals; it’s also about creating livelihood opportunities for Filipinos, particularly in hospitality, services, and cultural tourism.

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A welcoming future for all

As the Philippines continues to invest in halal tourism and culturally inclusive practices, it positions itself not only as a tropical paradise but as a country that truly welcomes everyone. The improvements made in infrastructure, hospitality, and food accessibility reflect a genuine commitment to creating a Muslim-Friendly travel experience.

Planning your next beach escape or cultural adventure? The Philippines now offers more comfort and peace of mind for Muslim travellers. It’s not just about seeing new places, it’s about feeling seen and respected in them.