In an effort to become a more Muslim-friendly travel destination, Boracay is opening an exclusive beach for female Muslim tourists on 10 September. The private cove will be situated inside Boracay Newcoast, a 150-hectare mixed-use leisure and resort development on the island in the Philippines.
President Bongbong Marcos wants to put the Philippines on the map as a destination promoting halal and Islamic traditions. Making the country more Muslim-friendly is one of the most important parts of the National Tourism Development Plan for 2023-2028.
Part of that goal, the Savoy hotel located within Boracay Newcoast recently obtained a halal-certificate for its kitchen. After suggestions by diplomats based in the Philippines, including the ambassadors of Malaysia and Brunei, the local mayor of Aklan (the town where the resort is located) decided to find a spot for a private beach dedicated to female Muslim tourists.
“Some Muslims can swim in public but other Muslims will prefer swimming in this (private area). And I’m sure those Muslims swimming in public, if they have a choice, (would also prefer that) because at present they don’t have a choice,” Department of Tourism Undersecretary for Muslim Affairs, Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar, said during the Philippine-Malaysia Art Expo opening in Makati City. “President Bongbong Marcos mentioned during the State of the Nation Address about halal and Islamic tradition, so we’re pushing for that and the Secretary as well is also pushing for more halal offerings that we can do in the Philippines.”
Aside from the beach opening, the Department of Tourism also plans on working closely together with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in order to provide a fitting halal training for tourism workers. “With the introduction of this training module developed by the DOST, we see great benefit upon our accommodation enterprises and other tourism enterprises so that we can transform the Philippines into one of the most competitive halal and Muslim-friendly destinations”, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said. “Through our partnership with the DOST, we will leverage Science, Technology, and innovation to enhance the Philippine tourism experience.”
