The Department of Tourism (DOT) has strengthened its engagement with Saudi Arabia’s aviation and travel leaders as it seeks to expand air connectivity and boost the Philippines’ presence in one of the Middle East’s fastest-growing outbound tourism markets.

Representing Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, Undersecretary Verna C. Buensuceso led the Philippine delegation in separate meetings with Saudia Airlines General Manager Abdulrahman Alabdulwahab and Riyadh Air Vice President for Network Planning and Partnerships Wolfgang Reuss. The discussions focused on new routes, expanded capacity, and joint promotional initiatives to attract more Saudi travelers.

Philippine Ambassador to Saudi Arabia H.E. Raymond R. Balatbat also attended the meetings, held on the sidelines of the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly in Riyadh.

Secretary Frasco, who was designated by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to oversee post-typhoon assessments in Negros Island Region, directed the delegation to prioritize improved accessibility and stronger collaboration with Saudi partners.

“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,” Frasco said in a message conveyed during the meetings. She also noted that Saudi nationals enjoy visa-free entry to the Philippines for up to 30 days.

Saudi Arabia has become one of the world’s fastest-rising outbound tourism markets, driven by a young and affluent population. The Philippines recorded tourism receipts of USD 37.86 million from the Saudi market in 2024—a 46 percent increase from 2023.

Frasco added that “our shared values of hospitality, family, and faith make the Philippines a natural destination of choice for Saudi travelers,” noting that new direct routes—Riyadh–Cagayan de Oro and Riyadh–Zamboanga—are set to launch in 2025, complementing existing Riyadh–Manila and Jeddah–Manila services.

DOT data shows that top destinations outside Metro Manila preferred by Saudi tourists include Cebu (23.29%), Aklan/Boracay (21.92%), Pampanga (15.07%), Palawan (8.22%), and Cavite (1.37%), reflecting strong demand for premium beach and family-friendly resorts.

Under Frasco’s leadership, the DOT has expanded Muslim-friendly and Halal tourism programs to cater to Saudi and other Muslim-majority markets. These initiatives include increasing Halal-certified dining establishments, partnering with hotel chains such as Megaworld Hotels and Resorts, and launching Marhaba Boracay—the country’s first Muslim-friendly cove.

AirAsia Philippines also recently became the first airline to offer Halal-certified meals on all flights. These efforts contributed to 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.