Miss Universes from Bahrain and Pakistan are collaborating with the Department of Tourism in the Philippines to promote halal travel. Manila is eager to attract more visitors from the Middle East and Muslim-majority nations to revitalize its tourism sector, which was severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, tourism contributed nearly 13 percent of the Philippines' GDP, but this figure dropped to about 5 percent in 2020 and 2021.
The government aims to boost foreign arrivals from these regions, with the Muslim travel market expected to reach $225 billion by 2028. The Philippines has already received over 4 million visitors in its efforts to reach a target of 4.8 million foreign arrivals this year. Miss Universe Bahrain and Miss Universe Pakistan arrived in Manila to participate in this initiative and showcase the country's beauty and diversity to the global Muslim community.
The Philippines aims to position itself as a Muslim-friendly destination with its white sand beaches, famous diving spots, cultural heritage, and wildlife. The collaboration also involves The Farm Resort and Xpedition Middle East magazine, which promotes halal and wellness tourism in the Philippines.
The Philippines recently won the Emerging Muslim- friendly Destination of the Year award during the Halal in Travel Global Summit with this effort. Miss Universe Bahrain, Lujane Yacoub, and Miss Universe Pakistan, Erica Robin, expressed their excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to promote the Philippines and encourage travelers from their respective countries to explore its rich offerings and hospitality.
