ZAMBOANGA CITY – An official of the Department of Tourism (DOT) is encouraging owners of local hotels to introduce Muslim-friendly accommodations and to obtain halal certification.
DOT Assistant Secretary for Mindanao Myra Paz Valderosa-Abubakar said Saturday the move would to attract Muslims tourists from nearby countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei.
“There are many Muslim foreigners who want to come and spend their money here provided, we will be able to offer them the services (they need),” Abubakar said.
She said for a hotel to be Muslim-friendly, operators can place prayer mats and Holy Quran in some of the rooms.
Abubakar said DOT is planning to hold an orientation on halal certification as well as strategies to attract Muslim patrons among local hotel operators. (PNA)
