The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening tourism partnerships in the Middle East through a series of high-level meetings with Saudi aviation executives, underscoring the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as an important source market for the Philippines.
Representing Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso led the Philippine delegation in separate discussions with Saudia Airlines General Manager Abdulrahman Alabdulwahab and Riyadh Air Vice President for Network Planning and Partnerships Wolfgang Reuss on the expansion of air connectivity and the development of joint tourism promotion initiatives.
Raymond Balatbat, Ambassador of the Philippines to Saudi Arabia, also attended the meetings held on the sidelines of the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly in Riyadh.
Frasco, who was unable to attend the Assembly, was designated by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. as his representative to the Negros Island Region following the onslaught of Typhoon Tino, to personally oversee the assessment of its impact on local communities. Buensuceso conveyed the tourism chief’s instructions to enhance accessibility and forge stronger tourism collaboration between the Philippines and Saudi Arabia.
“Saudi nationals enjoy visa-free entry to the Philippines for up to 30 days, making travel easier and more accessible.”
“As a destination, the Philippines continues to gain ground among Saudi travelers, recognized for its warm hospitality, competitive value, English-speaking service culture, and growing Halal-friendly tourism infrastructure. Saudi nationals enjoy visa-free entry to the Philippines for up to 30 days, making travel easier and more accessible,” the tourism chief said in her message.
“Saudi Arabia has emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing outbound tourism markets, driven by a young and affluent population with high disposable income for travel. It represents one of our most dynamic and high-value markets in the Middle East,” the tourism head added.
In 2024, tourism receipts from the Saudi market reached $37.86 million, a 46 percent rise from 2023, confirming Saudi Arabia’s position as one of the Philippines’ fastest-growing and highest-value markets.
“Our shared values of hospitality, family, and faith make the Philippines a natural destination of choice for Saudi travelers. The Philippines expects further increases with the launch of new direct routes in 2025, including Riyadh–Cagayan de Oro and Riyadh–Zamboanga, complementing existing Riyadh–Manila and Jeddah–Manila connections. With enhanced air connectivity, we aim to bring the beauty and warmth of our islands even closer to the Saudi people,” she added.
Top destinations for Saudi visitors outside Metro Manila include Cebu (23.29%), Aklan/Boracay (21.92%), Pampanga (15.07%), Palawan (8.22%), and Cavite (1.37%).
According to DOT data, top destinations for Saudi visitors outside Metro Manila include Cebu (23.29%), Aklan/Boracay (21.92%), Pampanga (15.07%), Palawan (8.22%), and Cavite (1.37%)— reflecting a strong preference for premium, family-friendly beach and resort experiences.
To support this growing market, the DOT, under Frasco’s leadership, has prioritized Muslim-friendly and Halal tourism initiatives to ensure that visitors from Saudi Arabia and other Muslim-majority countries feel truly welcome.
The Philippines has increased the number of Halal-certified dining establishments, partnered with major hotel chains like Megaworld Hotels and Resorts to develop Muslim-friendly properties, and launched Marhaba Boracay, the country’s first Muslim-friendly cove.
AirAsia Philippines has also become the first airline to offer Halal-certified meals on all routes.
These efforts have earned the Philippines recognition as an Emerging Muslim-Friendly Destination among non-OIC countries in the Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index for 2023 and 2024— a milestone that reflects the country’s inclusive brand of tourism.
