THREE Miss Universe bets from Muslim countries arrived in the Philippines to help the Department of Tourism (DOT) promote wellness and halal tourism in the country.
Miss Universe Bahrain 2023 Lujane Yacoub
Miss Universe Pakistan 2023 Erica Robin
Beauty queens Lujane Yacoub of Bahrain, Erica Robin of Pakistan, and Mohra Tantawy of Egypt joined the DOT in a press conference with The Farm at San Benito in Makati City to promote halal and wellness travel that aims to “influence the global Muslim community to explore and experience the beauty of the country,” according to DOT Undersecretary Myra Paz Abubakar.
The DOT elevated the halal tourism as one of its major products, after it was named as an “Emerging Muslim-friendly Destination” at the Travel Summit 2023.
“The trip of our Miss Universes provides a big boost for our country that would hopefully influence the global Muslim community to visit the Philippine archipelago—home to white sand beaches, famous diving spots, lively entertainment, diverse cultural heritage, and distinctive wildlife,” Abubakar said in a statement.
The campaign was also supported by The Farm at San Benito, a resort that focuses on healthy lifestyle, embraces different cultures, and highlights the beauty of the country.
Josh Yugen, the national director of the Miss Universe Bahrain, also expressed its gratitude to the DOT and The Farm at San Benito for promoting the Philippines to other Muslim countries.
“As someone who has lived in Dubai for more than half of my life, I sincerely believe that it is high time to elevate our Filipino welcome to the Middle East, and focus on the key factors attracting travelers to visit, such as providing options for halal certified establishments and world-class wellness programs,” he said.
The DOT unveiled the National Tourism Development (NTDP) 2023-2028, where it prioritises the development of the country’s halal tourism portfolio.
The Muslim travel market is expected to bring an estimate of 140 million Muslim travelers to the country by the end of 2023 and will increase to about 230 million in the succeeding years, with estimated expenditures of USD225 billion by 2028.
With reports from Khryztel Allysza A. Nuque
