The event marked an expansion of the government’s efforts to position the Philippines as a preferred destination for Muslim travelers through improved halal services, dedicated tourism infrastructure and faith-sensitive travel experiences.

Organized by the Department of Tourism, the conference, known as RIHLAH, followed the successful launch of SALAAM, the country’s first halal travel and trade expo, in 2024. Officials said the initiative reflects a broader strategy to strengthen the Philippines’ competitiveness in one of the fastest-growing segments of the global tourism industry.

“Through the sharing of knowledge, experiences and success stories, we hope to inspire greater collaboration and innovation in advancing halal and Muslim-friendly tourism in the Philippines and beyond,” Tourism Undersecretary Myra Paz Abubakar said during the forum.

The conference featured speakers and tourism specialists from Oman, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore, who discussed international best practices and emerging trends in Muslim-friendly travel.

Government officials outlined plans to expand standards for Muslim-friendly restaurants, improve tourism facilities, develop specialized travel packages and support promotional campaigns highlighting halal-friendly destinations across the archipelago.

Tourism remains a major pillar of the Philippine economy, accounting for more than 8 percent of gross domestic product in 2025. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the sector contributed nearly 13 percent of economic output, equivalent to about $44 billion.

The Philippines has steadily improved its standing among Muslim travelers. According to the 2026 Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index, the country ranks fifth among non-Organization of Islamic Cooperation destinations, reflecting progress in accessibility, halal services and visitor experience.

Industry forecasts indicate the Muslim travel sector will continue to expand significantly over the next decade. The Global Muslim Travel Index projects 262 million international Muslim traveler arrivals worldwide by 2030, generating an estimated $310 billion in annual spending. The market recorded 196 million travelers in 2025 and is expected to reach 208 million this year.

Business groups view the sector as a major growth opportunity. Ruby Banarea-Victorino, president of the Makati chapter of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said local enterprises must adapt to meet rising demand from Muslim visitors.

She noted that while the Philippines already offers internationally recognized beaches, shopping destinations and cultural attractions, further investment in halal-certified facilities and Muslim-friendly services will be essential to unlocking the market’s full potential.

Officials said continued collaboration between government agencies and private-sector stakeholders would be key to transforming the Philippines into a leading Muslim-friendly destination in Asia.

The blaze almost completely destroyed the resort, which is located on the country’s southeastern coast and is a popular destination for visitors from the United States and other countries.

The Dominican Republic’s Emergency Operations Center said approximately 1,690 tourists were evacuated from the resort and relocated to other hotels and nearby housing facilities as emergency crews responded to the fire.

Local media reported that an Italian tourist died in the incident and that several other tourists required medical assistance. Authorities had not immediately released further details regarding casualties.

Officials said the cause of the fire remained under investigation. The Emergency Operations Center said preliminary assessments indicated that strong winds and sections of thatched roofing contributed to the rapid spread of the blaze across the property.

The fire prompted a large-scale emergency response as authorities worked to secure the area and accommodate displaced guests.

Viva Wyndham’s nearby Dominicus Palace resort was not affected by the fire and continued normal operations, according to the Emergency Operations Center.

The Dominican Republic is one of the Caribbean’s leading tourism destinations, with resort developments along its coast forming a key pillar of the country’s economy.

The magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck on June 8 near the Cotabato Trench off Mindanao, triggering landslides, damaging infrastructure and causing widespread displacement. Scientists say the quake also generated significant coastal uplift, a geological process in which tectonic forces force sections of land upward.

Initial assessments by Philippine seismologists indicate that parts of the seabed rose by as much as two meters, extending the shoreline by up to 200 meters in some areas and transforming previously submerged coral reefs into exposed stretches of land.

“What they see now is their new coastline,” said Nane Danlag of the Philippine seismology agency, adding that the changes are permanent.

The affected zone stretches across nearly 100 kilometers of coastline between communities in southern Mindanao, according to preliminary surveys.

Residents described witnessing the transformation as it unfolded. Arsenio Butil Jr., a fisherman and pastor from Sarangani province’s Glan municipality, said the sea repeatedly receded and returned during the earthquake.

“What I saw at the shoreline was that the water receded. After a while, I saw it slowly returning. And then it receded again. Maybe three or four times,” he said.

The newly elevated coastline has left fishing boats stranded far from the water and exposed large expanses of coral that had previously been underwater.

The geological shift has also heightened anxiety among residents already traumatized by the disaster. In a hillside evacuation site near the coast, around 100 displaced villagers continued to shelter in temporary conditions more than a week after the earthquake.

Many fear that further seismic activity could trigger a tsunami despite reassurances from experts.

“What if the sea surges forward? That is what everyone fears,” said Datu Atom Malimpnig, a local community leader whose village was heavily affected.

The changes are also threatening tourism-dependent businesses. Resort operators along the coast say the exposed coral and shallower waters have altered beachfront landscapes that once attracted visitors.

Edzel Baylon, an employee at the Isla Jardin del Mar resort, said the area’s white-sand beaches are now separated from the sea by broad stretches of uplifted coral.

“It has a huge effect on the resort, because the main draw for customers is the sea,” Baylon said.

Seismologists noted that the Cotabato Trench is among the Philippines’ most active seismic zones. Thousands of smaller tremors were recorded in the area earlier this year, and authorities have logged more than 8,500 aftershocks since the June 8 earthquake.

Scientists say the coastal uplift is part of a natural tectonic process that has shaped the region over thousands of years, although the scale of the changes has been striking for residents witnessing the transformation firsthand.

With aftershocks continuing across the region, many families remain reluctant to rebuild homes damaged by the earthquake, citing concerns about cracked ground and the possibility of further strong tremors.

The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said the updated guidance is expected to encourage more European visitors and support the tourism sector, a key pillar of Jordan’s economy.

The UK Embassy in Amman also welcomed the return of British tourists and business travelers, while advising visitors to check official travel guidance before their trips.

Jordan is home to major attractions including Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea. Officials said tourism facilities across the country are fully prepared to receive visitors despite regional tensions that have affected travel across the Middle East.

The Thai cabinet approved plans to shorten visa-free stays currently granted to tourists from countries including members of Europe’s Schengen area, the United States, Israel and several South American nations, Tourism Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul told reporters in Bangkok.

Under the revised framework, most eligible foreign visitors will be permitted to remain in Thailand for up to 30 days without a visa, down from the current 60-day allowance introduced in July 2024 to stimulate tourism and economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic. Some nationalities could face shorter stays of only 15 days, officials said.

The government said extensions would still be available through immigration offices, but approvals would no longer be automatic.
“The renewal will be decided by the officer and tourists will have to explain why they are staying longer,” a government spokeswoman said.

Thai authorities linked the policy shift to rising concerns over transnational crime and misuse of long visa-free stays by foreigners operating illegally in the country.

Recent police investigations have involved foreign nationals accused of drug trafficking, sex trafficking and operating businesses such as hotels, schools and entertainment venues without proper permits.

Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said last week the changes formed part of a broader strategy targeting criminal networks exploiting Thailand’s immigration system.

Officials stressed the policy was not aimed at any particular nationality but at individuals violating Thai laws while using tourist entry privileges.

Government spokesperson Rachada Dhanadirek said the existing framework had generated economic benefits through tourism but also created loopholes for illegal activities.

Tourism remains a central pillar of Thailand’s economy, contributing more than 10 percent of gross domestic product. However, visitor numbers have yet to fully recover to pre-pandemic levels despite aggressive government campaigns to revive the sector.
According to tourism ministry data, foreign arrivals fell by approximately 3.4 percent in the first quarter of 2026 compared with the same period a year earlier.

Arrivals from the Middle East declined by nearly one-third during the period.

Thailand expects approximately 33.5 million foreign tourists this year, marginally above the nearly 33 million arrivals recorded in 2025, according to government projections.