Asia's leading beach destination witnesses surge in arrivals from Middle East

"We are seeing, for example, from the Middle East and the Gulf Cooperation Council, an average of no less than 500 to 800 percent growth in international tourist arrivals," Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said as cited by Manila Bulletin.

According to the Department of Tourism, the Middle Eastern market showed "promising signs of recovery" in 2024 as global travel began to rebound post Covid-19.

Countries such as the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Bahrain reported steady increases in outbound travel to the Philippines, indicating a strong return of visitors from the Gulf region, the department said.

In recognition of its efforts, the Philippines was named an Emerging Muslim-friendly Non-OIC Destination in the 2024 Mastercard-Crescentrating Global Muslim Travel Index, an award it also received in 2023.

The archipelago is known for its white-sand beaches, marine biodiversity, and vibrant culture.

To further cater to Muslim travelers, the Philippines launched a dedicated beach zone for Muslim women on Boracay, its most popular island resort, Arab News reported.

The tourism department also partnered with Emirates Airlines in April to promote the country across Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and European markets.

With more than 36,000 kilometers of coastline, the Philippines earned the title of "Asia’s Leading Beach Destination" at the 2024 World Travel Awards.

The government aims to welcome 8.4 million foreign tourists in 2025, up 57% from 5.4 million arrivals last year.