DOT hoping to entice more Muslim tourists to visit the Philippines

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is hoping to entice more Muslim tourists to visit the Philippines as it plans to develop more areas that could encourage them to take a tour in the country. 

"Kung titingnan natin, napakadami sa Mindanao na tourist sites lalo na kapag pinag-uusapan natin ang mga BARMM provinces, sa Basilan, Tawi-tawi," said Tourism Undersecretary Myra Paz Valderrosa Abubakar at a public briefing on Thursday.

(There are so many tourist sites in Mindanao, especially when we talk about the BARMM provinces such as Basilan and Tawi-tawi.)

The DOT has already recorded 223,345 tourist arrivals from the residents of the Islamic Majority and Organization of the Islamic Cooperation in 2023.

"Hinahanda din po natin ang Manila, Clark at Cebu para maging Muslim-friendly na po," she added.

(We are also preparing Manila, Clark, and Cebu to become Muslim-friendly.)

The DOT also urged airports and mall authorities to establish prayer rooms and Halal certified restaurants for Muslims.

Abubakar also asked social media influencers to promote Mindanao and Muslim-friendly restaurants to encourage local and international travelers. —Sherylin Untalan/ VAL, GMA Integrated News