Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR) has achieved a groundbreaking milestone, becoming the first and largest Filipino hotel chain—with 8,500 rooms—to be recognized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) as a 100% Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishment (MFAE). This prestigious certification underscores MHR’s commitment to inclusivity, cultural diversity, and excellence in hospitality, hallmarks of its signature “Sampaguita” service.
DOT Secretary Christina Frasco lauded MHR’s efforts, saying, “Megaworld Hotels & Resorts now stands as the very first developer to have all of its properties recognized as Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishments.”
“Megaworld Hotels & Resorts demonstrate not only its commitment to inclusivity but also a deep understanding of the global tourism landscape. Megaworld’s leadership in the accommodation sector sets a new benchmark for the industry, challenging and encouraging other developers and stakeholders to follow suit; to integrate Muslim-friendly services as well as products in all of their properties,” Frasco added.
In response to the recognition, Cleofe Albiso, Managing Director of MHR, expressed her gratitude: “This achievement demonstrates our unwavering commitment to creating spaces that embrace inclusivity, allowing our guests to feel comfortable and at home. By incorporating Halal-certified kitchens, prayer rooms, and Muslim-friendly amenities, we aim to foster an environment that reflects our Filipino values of warmth, hospitality, and respect.”
“The Department of Tourism giving trust to Megaworld Hotels & Resorts is very valuable for us. All these efforts are vehicles for us to be able to give back to our shareholders, our owners, whose trust we value so much as well,” Albiso added.
The ceremonial awarding of the DOT certification took place on December 18, 2024, at the DOT headquarters in Makati City.
13 Muslim-friendly properties
As of November 2024, 13 Megaworld Hotels & Resorts properties have met the DOT’s standards for Muslim-friendly accommodations. These certified properties include:
- Belmont Hotel Manila
- Belmont Hotel Boracay
- Belmont Hotel Mactan
- Savoy Hotel Manila
- Savoy Hotel Boracay
- Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown
- Eastwood Richmonde Hotel
- Richmonde Hotel Ortigas
- Richmonde Hotel Iloilo
- Kingsford Hotel Manila
- Twin Lakes Hotel
Additionally, Hotel Lucky Chinatown and Grand Westside Hotel are expected to receive their Halal certifications in the coming year.
Several properties, such as Kingsford Hotel Manila, Savoy Hotel Boracay, Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown, and Belmont Hotel Mactan, boast Halal-certified kitchens approved by the Halal International Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines (HICCIP). These enhancements ensure that Muslim guests can dine with confidence and comfort.
MHR has also prioritized training its staff to cater to the unique needs of Muslim travelers. Remarkably, 100% of MHR’s regular employees have undergone specialized Muslim-friendly training.
Collaboration and initiatives
To further promote Muslim-friendly tourism, MHR has partnered with the DOT and the local government of Malay, Aklan, to launch the Marhaba Boracay project on September 10, 2024. This initiative established a dedicated Muslim-friendly area along a 300-meter stretch of white sand at Cove 2 in Boracay Newcoast. The area features facilities and amenities tailored to the needs of Muslim families and travelers. Since its opening, Boracay Newcoast has seen a 16% increase in business from the Muslim market.
MHR’s recognition as a 100% Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishment is also a result of its commitment to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with the DOT on May 6, 2024, during the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai.
Following this MOU, MHR actively participated in key trade shows such as the SALAAM: The Halal and Trade Expo, the 31st Travel and Tour Expo VisMin Edition in Cagayan de Oro, and the Philippine Halal Trade and Tourism Summit. The group also held roadshows in Mindanao to highlight the Muslim-friendly facilities and Halal dining options available at its properties.
Through partnerships with the DOT and initiatives like Marhaba Boracay, MHR continues to set new benchmarks in inclusive hospitality, reinforcing the Philippines’ readiness to cater to the rapidly growing Halal tourism market.
