ILOILO City – The Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 6 is looking for ways to attract more tourists from Muslim countries to visit Western Visayas.
DOT regional director Helen Catalbas said her office will conduct consultation dialogues with tourism stakeholders to improve and put up more Muslim-friendly destinations in the region.
“For the past years, there has been a steady increase in tourist arrivals coming from predominantly Muslim countries [in Region 6],” Catalbas added.
In 2017, a total of 26,478 tourists from Middle Eastern countries visited Western Visayas.
“Obviously there is still a large market waiting to be tapped,” the DOT regional chief said.
The DOT aims to prepare the country to become globally competitive in terms of hosting the Muslim tourism market.
The agency is encouraging tourism stakeholders to ensure the suitability of their services for Muslim guests.
Among the factors to be considered are the suitability of the country as a holiday destination, family friendliness and safety, availability of Muslim-friendly services and facilities at tourism destinations, and Halal awareness.
Tourism undersecretary Arturo Boncato Jr. said taking these measures can go beyond sending a welcome signal to Muslim visitors.
“It will help foster respect, unity and peace as well. For instance, property owners and managers can install ‘qiblah’ (Muslim prayer directions) sign in hotel rooms and provide a common ‘Musalla’ (prayer area) for our Muslim guests,” Boncato said.
Catalbas said this objective can be achieved if the government and the private sector would cooperate. (With a report from PIA/PN)
