Salam Tourism Magazine 21 | Página 101

100 The Philippines has launched a series of tourism projects targeting Muslim guests and tourists from all over the world. The Ministry of Tourism is accelerating its plans to position itself as one of the world’s preferred Muslim friendly destination for Muslim tourists in the halal tourism market. The Philippine Department of Tourism has worked with the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, the Halal International Chamber of Commerce and Industries of the Philippines to prepare the kitchens and facilities of 50 hotels, resorts, restaurants, and other tourism-related establishments in Manila, Cebu, Boracay, Davao, Bohol, Palawan, Caraga, Zamboanga City, General Santos City, Koronadal, and Cotabato City to be what is called halal-certified. According to the latest data approximately 117 million Muslim international travellers make up the world›s current tourist market. This is expected to increase reaching over 168 million by 2020. In this context, the Philippines will receive a percentage ranging from 20% to 25% of the value of halal tourism revenues which is estimated at $200 billion.