SALAAM 2024. Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco (3rd from left) and Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte (2nd from left) lead the opening of the Salaam 2024: Travel and Trade Expo at the Gateway Mall 2 in Cubao, Quezon City on Friday (June 14, 2024). The expo, which runs until June 16, seeks to promote Filipino Halal and Muslim-friendly offerings across the country, both products and destinations. (PNA photo by Robert Alfiler)
MANILA – The Department of Tourism (DOT) opened the three-day Salaam 2024: Travel and Trade Expo in Quezon City on Friday, increasing the visibility of Filipino Halal and Muslim-friendly offerings across the country, both products and destinations.
The DOT said this showcase of Halal-certified and Muslim-friendly services highlights the importance that it places on catering to local and foreign Muslim travelers.
“The global market for Halal tourism is expanding, rapidly presenting vast opportunities for our nation's economic growth, creating more markets for tourism stakeholders and generating more livelihood for our fellow Filipinos,” Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said during the expo opening.
“To ensure that the Philippines is well situated to capitalize on this global demand. Our government, under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., is rapidly expanding efforts to promote and enhance Halal and Muslim-friendly tourism in the Philippines,” she added, noting that this initiative is “high” on the DOT’s agenda.
In a chance interview, Frasco said Quezon City is a suitable venue for Salaam, being one of the most Muslim-friendly local government units in Metro Manila.
Salaam 2024 features more than 30 booths offering discounted travel packages, accommodations, and local delicacies and crafts.
Some of the products displayed are the famous Sultan Kudarat Robusta coffee and Zamboanga’s colorful Yakan clothing.
The event, held at the Gateway Mall 2 Activity Center in Cubao, Quezon City, will run from June 14 to 16.
Mayor Joy Belmonte, meanwhile, said Quezon City would work closely with the DOT in further promoting Halal and Muslim tourism, as the city itself is home to 40,000 to 50,000 Muslims.
“Their presence underscores our commitment to inclusivity and multiculturalism, making our city a dynamic and welcoming place for all,” she said.
“Through our Bangsamoro Affairs Office, which prioritizes the needs of our Muslim community, we aim to forge strong connections with every community member, integrate Halal principles into tourism and trade, and anchor our progress where no one is left behind."
Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino praised the initiative as a step towards “putting the Philippines in the world Halal market."
“I must say, since I've been here for a year, I've seen a tremendous growth under the leadership of Secretary Frasco in terms of ensuring that the Philippines remains and continues to grow in terms of being a hub for the Halal tourism industry,” he told reporters. (PNA)
