Capital Building Plans for Halal Food Market
Cebu Embraces Halal Tourism to Boost Local Economy and Attract International Visitors
Cebu Province is taking strides to develop its Halal tourism industry, aiming to attract more Muslim travelers and diversify its tourism offerings. This move is part of a broader strategy to make Cebu more inclusive and competitive in the global tourism market.
Governor Pamela Baricuato expressed Cebu's readiness to mentor and collaborate with other regions in promoting tourism that empowers local communities and protects cultural and natural heritage. She sees an opportunity to tap into the increasing demand from Muslim travelers, particularly in the area of Halal food.
Halal food development is central to Cebu's plan to draw international Muslim visitors. The province is collaborating closely with local stakeholders to provide Halal-certified dining options and educate tourism workers about Halal practices. This effort addresses one of the main challenges in Halal tourism development—the availability and authenticity of Halal food.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Global Tourism Business Association (GTBA) have formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Cebu to strengthen cooperation in developing Muslim-friendly tourism across the Philippines, including Cebu. This partnership aims to promote Halal-certified food, prayer facilities, human resource training, as well as participation in international tourism events to raise awareness and standards of Muslim-friendly services.
Beyond food, Halal tourism in Cebu emphasizes creating a welcoming environment that includes faith-based facilities and respectful cultural interactions, contributing to sustainable and inclusive tourism development.
The Bojo River Cruise, operated by the Bojo Aloguinsan Ecotourism Association, was cited as an example of a successful tourism initiative in Cebu. The Bojo River, located in southwestern Cebu, was recognized as a model for ecotourism and grassroots-led tourism development. The cruise, which prioritizes environmental conservation and supports local livelihoods, has been a significant success and was highlighted during a recent forum.
Governor Baricuato praised the success of the East Asia Tourism Forum, which brought together delegates from East Asian countries, the United States, and local tourism stakeholders. The forum provided a platform for meaningful dialogue and future collaborations in tourism.
In response to a recent 18 percent drop in South Korean arrivals, Governor Baricuato wants to strengthen halal tourism, especially halal food, which Cebu has least explored. She shared these plans during a media briefing on July 24, 2025, with the goal of attracting more international visitors, particularly those from the growing halal tourism market.
[1] Cebu Tourism Department. (2025). Cebu Halal Tourism Development Strategy. Retrieved from cebutourism.gov.ph
[2] Global Tourism Business Association. (2025). Memorandum of Understanding with Cebu Province. Retrieved from gtba.org
[3] Muslim Travel News. (2025). Cebu's Halal Food Initiatives Boost Muslim-Friendly Tourism. Retrieved from muslimtravelnews.com
[4] Department of Tourism. (2025). Strengthening Muslim-Friendly Tourism in the Philippines. Retrieved from tourism.gov.ph
[5] Cebu Provincial Government. (2025). Cebu Hosts 2nd Halal and Muslim-Friendly Tourism Forum. Retrieved from cebuprovincial.gov.ph
- Cebu is working on various initiatives to enhance its Halal food scene, aiming to create a more welcoming environment for Muslim travelers and boost the province's appeal as a Muslim-friendly travel destination.
- As part of Cebu's broader Halal tourism development strategy, the governor emphasizes the importance of creating a holistic experience, encompassing both food-and-drink and cultural interactions, to attract international visitors seeking authentic Halal experiences.
