Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR) has reached a historic milestone by becoming the first and largest Filipino hotel chain with 8,500 rooms recognized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) as a 100% Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishment (MFAE). This prestigious recognition highlights MHR’s dedication to inclusivity, cultural diversity, and its role in shaping the future of Muslim-friendly hospitality in the Philippines in connection to their signature brand of service – Sampaguita.
Cleofe Albiso, Managing Director of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, received the recognition for Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establsihments. She was joined by key members of MHR, including Group General Manager Arturo Boncato, Jr., Cluster General Manager for NCR+, Mario Justo, Jr., Cluster General Manager for Visayas, Avinash Menon, as well as other general managers and executives.
“The awarding of this certification to Megaworld Hotels & Resorts is a significant milestone for our collective efforts to provide inclusivity in the tourism industry. Megaworld Hotels & Resorts now stands as the very first developer to have all of its properties recognized as Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishments,” DOT Secretary Christina Frasco said.
“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 as well,” she added.
In line with the national government’s goal of positioning the Philippines as a leading Muslim-friendly destination, Cleofe Albiso, Managing Director of MHR, expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, “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.”
The commendation was given in a Ceremonial Awarding for Megaworld Hotels & Resorts as DOT-Recognized Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishments on December 18, 2024, at the DOT headquarters in Makati City.
13-Muslim-Friendly Properties
As of November 2024, 13 MHR properties have been inspected by the DOT meeting the standards of an MFAE. Certified properties include: Belmont Hotel Manila, Belmont Hotel Boracay,
Muslim-friendly room at Belmont Hotel Boracay.
Halal dining option at Vienne Restaurant in Savoy 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, and Twin Lakes Hotel. Hotel Lucky Chinatown and Grand Westside Hotel are on track to receive their halal certifications in the coming year.
Additionally, the kitchens at Kingsford Hotel Manila, Savoy Hotel Boracay, Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown, and Belmont Hotel Mactan have been certified as Halal by the Halal International Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines (HICCIP).
MHR has also made significant investments in Muslim-friendly training and 100% of its regular employees are equipped with the skills and knowledge to meet the unique needs of Muslim travelers.
Collaboration and Initiatives
As part of its ongoing efforts to 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 focuses on creating a dedicated Muslim-friendly area along a 300-meter stretch of white sand at Cove 2 in Boracay Newcoast. The designated area provides facilities and amenities tailored to the needs of Muslim families and travelers. Since its opening, Boracay Newcoast saw an 16% incremental business from Muslim market.
Cleofe Albiso, Managing Director of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, received a “Love the Philippines” token from DOT Secretary Christina Frasco.
MHR’s recognition as a 100% Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishment is the 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 the MOU, MHR actively participated in key trade shows such as the SALAAM: The Halal and Trade Expo, the 31st Travel and Tour Expo VisMinEdition in Cagayan de Oro, and the Philippine Halal Trade and Tourism Summit. The group also held roadshows in Mindanao to promote the Muslim-friendly facilities and Halal dining options available at MHR hotels.
Through its collaboration with the DOT and initiatives like Marhaba Boracay, MHR is setting new benchmarks for inclusive hospitality and reinforcing the Philippines’ readiness to cater to the rapidly growing Halal tourism market.
