The Department of Tourism (DOT) is looking at replicating Malaysia’s tourism strategy through halal programs which, it said, strengthened Malaysia’s economy, particularly in the food tourism industry.

Department of Tourism Cristina García Fresco, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) of Malaysia during the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation – Tourism Ministerial Meeting (APEC-TMM) in Bangkok, Thailand to explore possible sustainable cooperation HE Dato’ Shree of Malaysia Haja met Nancy Binti Shukri and initiated the partnership between the Philippines and Malaysia.

Fresco shared DOT’s interest in continuing its cordial tourism exchanges with Malaysia, noting that the Philippines and Malaysia have much in common in terms of culture, values ??and family orientation.

“We have every intention of continuing this partnership between the Philippines and Malaysia. Our two countries share common heritage, values, values ??and culture for the family community. We see this as one of Malaysia’s key strengths. We anticipate that as we continue our partnership, the exchange of best practices on culture and heritage will be some of the key points of our agreement,” said Fresco.

The DOT also expressed appreciation for Malaysia’s success in promoting halal-certified food, which attracts local and foreign food enthusiasts, including Filipinos, particularly in Mindanao, and those from Asia and even non-Asia. Became popular in Muslim countries as well.

Halal is an Arabic word meaning permissible or lawful, which refers to food as something that is clean and good for health.

“We have every reason to go to each other’s country. We want to learn about very successful Halal programs from your country. A large segment of the population in the Mindanao region is very interested in halal tourism,” Fresco addressed MOTAC.

According to DOT, among ASEAN countries, Malaysia is the Philippines’ second top visitor, with 17,797 Malaysian travelers visiting the country from February to August 14 this year