The solid partnership to promote the Philippines as a Halal-friendly destination is sealed with a handshake between AirAsia CEO Ricky Isla and Universal Islamic Center and Philippine Halal Trade & Tourism President Marilou Ampuan
AirAsia Philippines is strengthening the country’s reputation as a Halal-friendly destination through a strategic partnership with the Universal Islamic Center (UIC) and Philippine Halal Trade & Tourism.
Since its inception, AirAsia has consistently offered Halal-certified meal options on all its flights, catering to diverse tastes with dishes like Filipino favorites Chicken Inasal and Beef Tapa, as well as authentic ASEAN selections such as Nasi Lemak and Chicken Teriyaki, all while adhering to strict Halal standards.
Taking its commitment to Halal-friendly travel further, AirAsia, known as the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline, is set to host the Halal Culinary Cup in Davao, coinciding with the Kadayawan Festival. The winning dish from this event will be added to the airline’s inflight menu, celebrating the rich flavors and culinary traditions of the region.
“AirAsia is proud to lead in providing and innovating inclusive travel experiences. We’re constantly enhancing our services to ensure that our Muslim guests feel welcomed and at home when they visit our beautiful country. Through these efforts, we aim to win their hearts and encourage them to visit the Philippines more often, whether for leisure or business,” said AirAsia CEO Ricky Isla.
“Airlines play a crucial role in promoting Halal as they are at the forefront of accommodating Muslim consumers in tourism. Offering Halal-compliant meals is essential to meet the dietary needs of Muslim travelers, and AirAsia’s commitment to inclusivity through its Halal meal selection demonstrates that the Philippines is a welcoming and accessible destination for Muslim visitors. We appreciate AirAsia Philippines for their support and for making this partnership possible,” said Universal Islamic Center and Philippine Halal Trade & Tourism President Marilou Ampuan.
The Philippine Halal Export Development and Promotion Board estimates the Philippine Halal industry to be worth $1.6 billion, with growth expected as the country is home to the third-largest Muslim population in Southeast Asia and is becoming a favored alternative holiday destination in the ASEAN region. AirAsia Philippines aims to further this growth by spearheading innovations and programs that promote Halal, attracting more visitors to the country.
