DOT admired for promoting Muslim-friendly tourism

CEBU, Philippines —  After Bangladesh, some officials from Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia also met with the Department of Tourism chief, Secretary Christina Frasco, for possible tourism collaboration.

Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino paid a courtesy visit to Secretary Frasco at the DOT Makati Office last Thursday.

The two dignitaries discussed tourism collaboration between the Philippines and Malaysia through the finalization of the tourism memorandum of understanding between the two countries, the establishment of connections between Halal tourism institutions, and the promotion of mutual tourism initiatives.

Castelino commended the Philippines’ endeavors in developing halal tourism, its diverse cultural offerings across regions, and its proactive approach to tourism promotion.

Frasco reciprocated the appreciation by highlighting Malaysia's robust portfolio in halal and Muslim-friendly tourism, its well-established MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism, and its successful ecotourism strategies, which the Philippines, she noted, could draw inspiration from.

On the same day, Frasco also met with Megawati Dato Paduka Haji Manan, Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to the Philippines.

Manan’s visit provided meaningful insights on how the Philippines could make its tourism portfolio enticing, especially to Muslim travelers.

The ambassador from Brunei also complimented The DOT’s work in the development and promotion of local tourism communities, culture, and heritage.

The Ambassador’s visit also rekindles the strong bilateral relationship between Brunei and the Philippines.

As members of the ASEAN community of nations, both countries’ citizens enjoy short-stay visa-free entry to each other’s state.

Frasco also saw the opportunity for enhancing the Department’s efforts toward more Muslim-friendly tourism programs for the country.

Frasco extended the DOT’s availability for future collaborative undertakings with the Embassy and the Brunei government, especially on a tourism cooperation agreement, halal, and ecotourism, among others for tourism development of both countries.