The certification is seen as a significant milestone for the hospitality firm
The Philippine Department of Tourism has named 13 properties under Megaworld Hotels and Resorts 100 percent Muslim-friendly.
This makes MHR the first hospitality chain in the Philippines to have all of its properties certified for Islamic tourism.
At a ceremony held on Wednesday, 18th December, tourism secretary Christina Frasco awarded the Muslim-friendly accommodation establishments (MFAE) certificate to MHR managing director Cleofe Albiso.
Frasco said: “The awarding of this certification for Megaworld is a significant milestone for our collective efforts to provide inclusivity in the tourism industry. This is very much a reflection of our shared commitment, not only for the tourism industry in the Philippines to recover, for that is no longer our perspective, but rather to transform in a manner that is sustainable, resilient, and, most importantly, inclusive.”
Speaking for MHR, Albiso responded with: “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.”
Necessary and inclusive
The certified properties are 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 and Twin Lakes Hotel.
On top of an MFAE certification, Hotel Lucky Chinatown and Grand Westside Hotel are also on track to receive their halal certifications in the coming year.
Previously, the kitchens at Kingsford Hotel Manila, Savoy Hotel Boracay, Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown, and Belmont Hotel Mactan were all certified as Halal by the Halal International Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines.
Ready for the challenge
Albiso also announced during the event that 100 percent of the 13 properties’ regular employees have been fully trained to meet the unique needs of Muslim travelers.
MHR’s recognition as a 100 percent MFAE is a result of its memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the DOT, signed on the sidelines of the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai last May.
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 VisMin Edition in Cagayan de Oro City, and the Philippine Halal Trade and Tourism Summit.