MANILA, Philippines — For the second straight year, a global travel index has recognized the Philippines as an “Emerging Muslim-friendly destination” among nonmembers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Department of Tourism (DOT) said on Saturday.

Based on the 2024 results of the Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index—an annual report benchmarking destinations in the Muslim travel market—the Philippines managed to develop initiatives such as including halal food and integrating Muslim-friendly amenities at major tourist spots in the country.