Department of Tourism Gears Up for ‘Salam 2026’: The Nation’s Premier Halal Tourism Showcase
2 min read
Photo by: Teddy Pelaez
Department of Tourism Gears Up for ‘Salam 2026’: The Nation’s Premier Halal Tourism Showcase | MANILA – The Department of Tourism (DOT) officially announced today the upcoming launch of Salam 2026, the third iteration of the country’s landmark Halal tourism event. Building on the momentum of previous years, the event aims to solidify the nation’s standing as a premier destination for Muslim travelers and a global hub for Halal-certified travel experiences.
Photo by: Teddy Pelaez
Salam 2026 is set to bring together industry leaders, travel experts, local government units, and international stakeholders to discuss the evolving landscape of the Halal tourism market. As global demand for Muslim-friendly travel continues to rise, the DOT is positioning this year’s summit as a strategic platform to revitalize regional tourism and foster inclusive economic growth.
Photo by: Teddy Pelaez
“Salam 2026 represents our commitment to excellence in catering to the diverse needs of the global Muslim travel market,” said a spokesperson for the Department of Tourism. “By integrating Halal protocols into our tourism infrastructure, we are not only opening our doors to a wider demographic but also showcasing the rich, culturally diverse heritage that our regions have to offer.”
The third edition of the event will feature a series of plenary sessions, trade exhibitions, and workshops focused on three core pillars: infrastructure development, service standard certification, and digital marketing strategies tailored for the Muslim traveler.
Photo by: Teddy Pelaez
A key highlight of Salam 2026 will be the “Halal-Friendly Accreditation Program,” which seeks to provide small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with the necessary tools and training to secure international Halal certifications. By lowering the barriers to entry for local resorts, restaurants, and tour operators, the DOT hopes to create a seamless, end-to-end Halal-conscious travel experience for visitors.
The choice to host the third iteration of this event underscores the government’s pivot toward niche tourism markets as a primary driver of recovery and sustainability. Beyond standard accommodations, the event will highlight “Muslim-friendly” cultural tours that emphasize history, arts, and culinary traditions unique to the country’s diverse provinces.
“This is an invitation for all our tourism partners to innovate,” the DOT statement added. “Salam 2026 is about creating a standard of hospitality that is universally welcoming while remaining deeply respectful of cultural and religious requirements.”
Further details regarding the official dates, venue, and registration process for Salam 2026 are expected to be unveiled in the coming weeks via the Department of Tourism’s official website and social media channels.
As the tourism sector prepares for this major event, the DOT encourages businesses and stakeholders to participate in the upcoming consultations to align their services with the growing expectations of the modern global traveler.
About the Department of Tourism (DOT): The Department of Tourism is the primary government agency charged with the responsibility to encourage, promote, and develop tourism as a major socioeconomic activity to generate foreign currency and employment and to spread the benefits of tourism to both the private and public sectors.
