Latest news with #non-OIC
Bangkok Post
09-07-2025
- Business
- Bangkok Post
Thailand urged to woo more Muslim tourists
As Chinese tourist arrivals plunge, the Thai Muslim Trade Association (TMTA) is calling on authorities and the private sector to position Thailand as a Muslim-friendly destination to attract travellers from the global Muslim population. Tourism remains a key driver of Thailand's economy, and China was the top source market for visitors over the past few years. For the first six months of this year, Thailand recorded 16.7 million foreign arrivals, a 4.66% year-on-year dip, with Chinese visitors declining by 34% to 2.26 million, according to the Economics Tourism and Sports Division, Tourism and Sports Ministry. With the Chinese market shrinking, Thailand should strengthen its efforts to attract Muslim travellers, who are often high spenders and tend to travel in family groups, said Marut Mekloy, president of the TMTA. He said there is significant growth potential in products and services catering to Muslim consumers, driven by the rising global Muslim population, which now exceeds 2 billion and continues to expand. Mr Marut said Thailand has five key sectors with high potential for this market: food and beverages, tourism, medicine, cosmetics, and fashion. However, Thailand is not yet a truly Muslim-friendly destination. Prior to the pandemic, Thailand ranked among the top three non-OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) destinations for Muslim travellers. The country has since lost that position due to its inability to meet the needs of Muslim tourists. He cited Japan, where both public and private sectors have taken measures to accommodate Muslim travellers such as providing signs highlighting the availability of halal products and by including halal options on regular menus. In some cases, ingredients are slightly adjusted to exclude non-halal items such as mirin and alcohol-based ingredients. The association plans to launch the Global Muslim-Friendly Hospitality Index, a certification system for hospitality operators that incorporate Muslim-friendly criteria, and it had held discussions about this initiative with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, said Mr Marut. Certified hotels would not need separate halal kitchens, but should be able to direct guests to nearby halal dining options. Rooms should also include a qibla indicator to show the direction of prayer. Higher certification levels will translate to stricter requirements, he said. "If the project gains recognition among both hospitality providers and Muslim travellers worldwide, it could significantly boost Thailand's tourism," said Mr Marut. He said with government backing and promotion among hospitality operators, there will be more development of more Muslim-friendly products and services.
Bangkok Post
09-07-2025
- Business
- Bangkok Post
Association urges sector to woo Muslim market
As Chinese tourist arrivals plunge, the Thai Muslim Trade Association (TMTA) is calling on authorities and the private sector to position Thailand as a Muslim-friendly destination to attract travellers from the global Muslim population. Tourism remains a key driver of Thailand's economy, and China was the top source market for visitors over the past few years. For the first six months of this year, Thailand recorded 16.7 million foreign arrivals, a 4.66% year-on-year dip, with Chinese visitors declining by 34% to 2.26 million, according to the Economics Tourism and Sports Division, Tourism and Sports Ministry. With the Chinese market shrinking, Thailand should strengthen its efforts to attract Muslim travellers, who are often high spenders and tend to travel in family groups, said Marut Mekloy, president of the TMTA. He said there is significant growth potential in products and services catering to Muslim consumers, driven by the rising global Muslim population, which now exceeds 2 billion and continues to expand. Mr Marut said Thailand has five key sectors with high potential for this market: food and beverages, tourism, medicine, cosmetics, and fashion. However, Thailand is not yet a truly Muslim-friendly destination. Prior to the pandemic, Thailand ranked among the top three non-OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) destinations for Muslim travellers. The country has since lost that position due to its inability to meet the needs of Muslim tourists. He cited Japan, where both public and private sectors have taken measures to accommodate Muslim travellers such as providing signs highlighting the availability of halal products and by including halal options on regular menus. In some cases, ingredients are slightly adjusted to exclude non-halal items such as mirin and alcohol-based ingredients. The association plans to launch the Global Muslim-Friendly Hospitality Index, a certification system for hospitality operators that incorporate Muslim-friendly criteria, and it had held discussions about this initiative with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, said Mr Marut. Certified hotels would not need separate halal kitchens, but should be able to direct guests to nearby halal dining options. Rooms should also include a qibla indicator to show the direction of prayer. Higher certification levels will translate to stricter requirements, he said. "If the project gains recognition among both hospitality providers and Muslim travellers worldwide, it could significantly boost Thailand's tourism," said Mr Marut. He said with government backing and promotion among hospitality operators, there will be more development of more Muslim-friendly products and services.
The Star
03-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
OIC calls on Muslim states to aid Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in the Philippines
FILE PHOTO: Muslim women hold up placards to show their support for the framework peace agreement between the government and the Muslim rebel Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), during a rally near the Malacanang Palace in Manila on October 14, 2012. - AFP COTABATO CITY, BARMM, Philippines: The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has called on its member-states and Muslim organisations worldwide to increase support for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) while also urging Moro leaders to unite in advancing the interest of their people. The call was contained in a resolution of the OIC's Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) during its 51st session in Istanbul, Turkiye, last month during which it considered the situation of Muslims in Mindanao. The pan-Islamic body composed of 57 member-states has been recognised as representing the collective voice of Muslims throughout the world. Its ministerial meeting also tackles issues of Muslim communities and minorities in non-OIC member states, such as the Philippines. Representatives of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) attended the recent Istanbul ministerial meeting as observers. CFM Resolution No. 2/51-MM, which covers 'The Question of Muslims in the Southern Philippines,' urged 'OIC member states, subsidiary organs, specialised institutions and affiliated institutions, including other stakeholders, to increase the volume of their medical, humanitarian, economic, social, educational and technical assistance to develop the BARMM with a view to accelerating socioeconomic development.' The OIC particularly called on its specialised and affiliated institutions, such as the Islamic Development Bank, Islamic Solidarity Fund, and Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation to come to the aid of Muslim minorities. The OIC cited the need 'to strengthen the educational system, particularly through sending teachers to contribute to the education of the children belonging to Muslim communities and through the extension of scholarships for studies in schools and universities.' Following the OIC's call for aid for the BARMM, the CFM had requested the national government 'to facilitate a joint delegation of the General Secretariat, Member States and representatives of the Islamic Development Bank' to visit the country. The visit, it said, aims to develop a 'viable mechanism' to provide assistance and financing to the Bangsamoro region. The OIC resolution also welcomed the establishment of the Bangsamoro Normalisation Trust Fund managed by the World Bank for development activities in postconflict areas, and called on member-states 'to contribute to the fund.' As a result of four decades of armed rebellion to demand self-governance, the Bangsamoro region has been mired in underdevelopment. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
GMA Network
19-06-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
PH rises as Muslim-friendly destination in 2025 global index
This photo taken on June 17, 2020 shows the white beach of Boracay Island, Aklan. Ernesto Cruz/ AFP The Philippines has gained recognition as a welcoming country for Muslim travelers, climbing to 8th place in the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2025 among destination that are not part of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The country improved its score to 53 in this year's GMTI, up 7 points compared to its 2024 performance when it ranked 12th. The report, jointly produced by Mastercard and CrescentRating, was released this June and takes note of the country's ongoing efforts to build an inclusive and culturally sensitive tourism sector. The Philippines is among non-OIC destinations that were described as making "strong gains" this year, along with Taiwan, Thailand, Ireland, and Australia. In the non-OIC tier, Singapore vaulted to the top spot with a score of 71, jumping 5 spots compared to last year. The GMTI 2025 report said, "The Philippines is steadily positioning itself as a Muslim-friendly destination by strengthening its capacity to welcome Muslim travelers. Efforts focus on improving accessibility to Halal food and integrating Muslim-friendly features at key tourist sites." The report also noted that Philippine tourism authorities have launched initiatives to expand Halal-certified dining and accommodations. Stakeholders, meanwhile, have been educated on Muslim visitors' needs. "With these efforts and the promotion of its diverse culture and natural beauty, the Philippines is emerging as an appealing destination for Muslim travelers in Southeast Asia," the report said. Inclusivity and diversity Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco welcomed the improved ranking, saying it affirms the government's efforts to promote inclusivity and expand the reach of Philippine tourism. "This recognition for the Philippines by the Global Muslim Travel Index 2025 affirms our steady commitment to introduce the Philippines as a halal and Muslim-friendly destination, as well as transforming our leading and emerging tourist spots to become those that practice inclusivity and diversity regardless of race and faith," Frasco said. "By prioritizing halal and Muslim-friendly tourism, we not only demonstrate our commitment to inclusivity and cultural sensitivity but also open up opportunities to attract more Muslim travelers from around the world, while expanding markets for our tourism stakeholders and creating more livelihood and employment for our fellow Filipinos," she added. CrescentRating CEO Fazal Bahardeen said the "remarkable progress" of the Philippines, alongside Hong Kong and Taiwan, demonstrate a "genuine commitment to building inclusive and welcoming tourism ecosystems." International Muslim tourist arrivals were reported to have reached 176 million in 2024, with forecasts expecting the number to grow to 245 million by 2030. By then, global Muslim travel spending is projected to hit $230 billion, underscoring the sector's economic importance. Part of the Department of Tourism's inclusivity strategy under its National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023-2028 is the implementation of updated guidelines for the operations and recognition of Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishments. The DOT has launched various programs to support Muslim-friendly tourism, including: SALAAM: The Halal Tourism and Trade Expo Marhaba Boracay–the first dedicated Muslim-friendly beach cove in Boracay Island Awareness campaigns and training sessions for tourism stakeholders Increased promotion of Halal-certified restaurants and Muslim-friendly facilities The GMTI report also noted the the expansion of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, which the DOT said became the first hotel group in the Philippines to be fully recognized as 100% Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishments across all 13 of its properties. Megaworld's efforts were acknowledged at the Halal in Travel Awards 2025 in Singapore, where it was named "Muslim-Friendly Hotel Chain of the Year." The report also highlighted the amenities offered at Megaworld properties, such as Qibla direction markers, prayer rugs upon request, water-friendly restrooms, Halal-certified food offerings, designated prayer spaces, and gender-separated spa areas. — VDV, GMA Integrated News
