Manila, Jan. 10 -- The Department of Tourism (DOT) and AirAsia have agreed to promote the Philippines as a Muslim-friendly destination and strengthen halal tourism.

"We're strengthening our commitment to inclusive travel by collaborating with the DOT to help position the Philippines as a premier Muslim-friendly destination," the carrier's president, Ricky Isla said during the signing of a memorandum of understanding at the latter's office in Makati City on Thursday afternoon.

A memorandum of understanding between the two was signed to formalize AirAsia's commitment to providing Halal-certified meals in all of of its flights.

"The Philippines has about 15 million Muslim people which creates a great opportunity in the growing Halal indus...