The Department of Tourism (DOT), in partnership with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Malay, Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR), and various Halal and Muslim stakeholders, unveiled “Marhaba Boracay” on September 10. This groundbreaking Muslim-friendly cove is designed specifically for Muslim families and travelers. This is a significant move to promote Muslim-friendly tourism in the country.
Located in the Boracay Newcoast Area of MHR, Marhaba Boracay is modeled after successful Muslim-friendly beaches in destinations like the Maldives and Thailand. The cove is intended as a special-use area that adheres to Islamic laws, providing a welcoming environment for Muslim tourists.
The launch of Marhaba Boracay aligns with the DOT’s ongoing efforts to boost Halal and Muslim-friendly tourism in the Philippines under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. This initiative follows the Philippines’ recent recognition as an Emerging Muslim-friendly Destination among non-OIC countries in the Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2023 and 2024.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, along with Malay Mayor Frolibar Bautista, and several distinguished officials, including Ambassador of Malaysia to the Philippines His Excellency Dato Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, and Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to the Philippines Her Excellency Megawati Dato Paduka Haji Manan.
They were joined by representatives from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Boracay Muslim Community (BMC), and key figures from the tourism and hospitality sectors.
