Philippines, Saudi Arabia in talks to enhance air connectivity, tourism
Manila seeks to strengthen tourism ties with Kingdom through additional flights and joint travel promotion campaign.
The Philippine government is negotiating with Saudi tourism players to increase air connectivity and develop a joint tourism promotion initiative.
Department of Tourism Undersecretary Verna C.
Buensuceso led the Philippine delegation at the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly in Riyadh, where she met with Saudia Airlines' sales general manager Abdulrahman Alabdulwahab and Riyadh Air Vice President for Network Planning and Partnerships Wolfgang Reuss to discuss these matters.
Tourism is a significant sector for the Philippines, and the government aims to attract more Middle Eastern visitors by creating Muslim-friendly destinations and ensuring they have access to halal products and services.
The recent surge in international tourism arrivals from countries in the Middle East and GCC, including Saudi travelers, has contributed to this growth.
The Philippines continues to gain popularity among Saudi travelers, recognized for its warm hospitality, competitive value, English-speaking service culture, and growing halal-friendly tourism infrastructure.
In 2023, the Kingdom's contribution to Philippine tourism receipts was over $37 million, representing a 46% increase from the previous year.
To cater to Muslim tourists, the Philippines launched a beach dedicated to Muslim women travelers in Boracay, one of its top resort islands.
Additionally, it introduced a guide called 'Muslim-Friendly Travelogue,' which provides information on the country's Islamic history, heritage, recommended destinations, and halal food options available throughout the archipelago.
In 2024, the Philippines was recognized as a rising Muslim-friendly non-Organization of Islamic Cooperation Destination by Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index.
This annual report evaluates destinations based on their offerings in the Muslim travel market.
Department of Tourism Undersecretary Verna C.
Buensuceso led the Philippine delegation at the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly in Riyadh, where she met with Saudia Airlines' sales general manager Abdulrahman Alabdulwahab and Riyadh Air Vice President for Network Planning and Partnerships Wolfgang Reuss to discuss these matters.
Tourism is a significant sector for the Philippines, and the government aims to attract more Middle Eastern visitors by creating Muslim-friendly destinations and ensuring they have access to halal products and services.
The recent surge in international tourism arrivals from countries in the Middle East and GCC, including Saudi travelers, has contributed to this growth.
The Philippines continues to gain popularity among Saudi travelers, recognized for its warm hospitality, competitive value, English-speaking service culture, and growing halal-friendly tourism infrastructure.
In 2023, the Kingdom's contribution to Philippine tourism receipts was over $37 million, representing a 46% increase from the previous year.
To cater to Muslim tourists, the Philippines launched a beach dedicated to Muslim women travelers in Boracay, one of its top resort islands.
Additionally, it introduced a guide called 'Muslim-Friendly Travelogue,' which provides information on the country's Islamic history, heritage, recommended destinations, and halal food options available throughout the archipelago.
In 2024, the Philippines was recognized as a rising Muslim-friendly non-Organization of Islamic Cooperation Destination by Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index.
This annual report evaluates destinations based on their offerings in the Muslim travel market.
