The Philippine Department of Tourism (DoT) has unveiled Marhaba Boracay, a first-of-its-kind Muslim-friendly cove for families and travellers.
Initiated by the Local Government Unit of Malay (LGU-Malay) and the DoT, in partnership with Megaworld Hotels and Resorts, Marhaba Boracay is located in the cove area of the Boracay Newcoast private beach.
At the unveiling ceremony of Marhaba Boracay, a Muslim-friendly cove for families and travellers
The Marhaba Boracay project is in line with the DoT’s goal of promoting sustainable and inclusive tourism and strengthening the position of key destinations such as Boracay Island on the world stage.
Patterned after other existing Muslim-friendly beaches in tourism destinations such as the Maldives and Thailand, the Marhaba Cove spans around 850m² and is envisioned as a special-use area for Muslim travellers and families, taking into consideration Islamic laws. The island will also serve up halal and Muslim-friendly culinary offerings.
To further respond to the needs of Muslim guests, the DoT has actively carried out its accreditation of Muslim-friendly Accommodation Establishments (MFAEs) – as of December 2023, there is a total of 289 MFAEs and 237 Muslim-friendly restaurants nationwide.
Earlier this year in May, the DoT and Megaworld Hotels and Resorts entered into an agreement during the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, seeking to transform all 13 of their properties into MFAEs. Since the signing, two of the group’s hotels, Savoy Hotel and Belmont Boracay, have been accredited as MFAEs.
Boracay Island is also famous among divers, being home to numerous dive sites and offerings. To enhance the overall safety of tourists and divers visiting the island, the DoT, through its infrastructure arm, TIEZA, will install hyperbaric chambers on the island, and launch its own Tourist First Aid Facilities across the country, with Boracay Island identified as a pilot destination.
Tourism secretary Christina Frasco commented: “Marhaba represents our dedication to ensuring that all travellers, regardless of faith, can enjoy the world-renowned shores of Boracay. Our efforts in the halal tourism portfolio are just beginning, and with the continued support from our partners, we envision that the Philippines will not only emerge, but thrive as a halal and Muslim-friendly destination.”
The Philippine Department of Tourism (DoT) has unveiled Marhaba Boracay, a first-of-its-kind Muslim-friendly cove for families and travellers.
Initiated by the Local Government Unit of Malay (LGU-Malay) and the DoT, in partnership with Megaworld Hotels and Resorts, Marhaba Boracay is located in the cove area of the Boracay Newcoast private beach.
The Marhaba Boracay project is in line with the DoT’s goal of promoting sustainable and inclusive tourism and strengthening the position of key destinations such as Boracay Island on the world stage.
Patterned after other existing Muslim-friendly beaches in tourism destinations such as the Maldives and Thailand, the Marhaba Cove spans around 850m² and is envisioned as a special-use area for Muslim travellers and families, taking into consideration Islamic laws. The island will also serve up halal and Muslim-friendly culinary offerings.
To further respond to the needs of Muslim guests, the DoT has actively carried out its accreditation of Muslim-friendly Accommodation Establishments (MFAEs) – as of December 2023, there is a total of 289 MFAEs and 237 Muslim-friendly restaurants nationwide.
Earlier this year in May, the DoT and Megaworld Hotels and Resorts entered into an agreement during the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, seeking to transform all 13 of their properties into MFAEs. Since the signing, two of the group’s hotels, Savoy Hotel and Belmont Boracay, have been accredited as MFAEs.
Boracay Island is also famous among divers, being home to numerous dive sites and offerings. To enhance the overall safety of tourists and divers visiting the island, the DoT, through its infrastructure arm, TIEZA, will install hyperbaric chambers on the island, and launch its own Tourist First Aid Facilities across the country, with Boracay Island identified as a pilot destination.
Tourism secretary Christina Frasco commented: “Marhaba represents our dedication to ensuring that all travellers, regardless of faith, can enjoy the world-renowned shores of Boracay. Our efforts in the halal tourism portfolio are just beginning, and with the continued support from our partners, we envision that the Philippines will not only emerge, but thrive as a halal and Muslim-friendly destination.”