Megaworld Hotels Named PH’s First Muslim-Friendly Chain

1 of 5

Megaworld Hotels & Resorts has been named the Philippines’ first-ever “Muslim-Friendly Hotel Chain” by CrescentRating at the Halal in Travel Awards 2025, marking a milestone in the country’s push toward inclusive tourism.

Awarded during a ceremony in Singapore, the distinction acknowledges Megaworld’s rapid efforts to tailor its services to Muslim travelers across its 13 properties nationwide.

The recognition aligns with the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023–2028, which prioritizes halal tourism as a key growth sector.

“This milestone is more than an award. It reflects the Philippines’ growing spirit of openness, learning, and cultural harmony,” said Cleofe Albiso, managing director of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts.

“It is our heartfelt invitation to our Muslim brothers and sisters around the world—to make the Philippines, Asia’s Pearl of the Orient, your next home away from home,” Albiso added.

CrescentRating CEO Fazal Bahardeen praised the company’s leadership in hospitality innovation, noting that Megaworld is “a hotel chain having 13 properties that are Muslim-friendly.”

Megaworld’s halal-certified kitchens are now operational in six hotels, including Kingsford Hotel Manila and Savoy Hotel Boracay, certified by the Halal International Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines (HICCIP).

The hotel group also launched “Marhaba Boracay,” a pioneering project that transformed a portion of Boracay Newcoast’s beach into a Muslim-friendly zone with gender-sensitive amenities.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco lauded the company’s efforts, calling Megaworld “a steadfast partner of the Department of Tourism in advancing inclusive and culturally sensitive tourism.”

In April, the DOT issued Memorandum Circular 2024-003, amending guidelines for recognizing Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishments.

Just nine months later, Megaworld’s entire hotel portfolio achieved Muslim-friendly status—an unprecedented feat in Philippine tourism.

These initiatives have yielded strong results, with Megaworld reporting a 40% increase in Muslim guest stays and a 58% rise in revenue in Q1 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.

The top Muslim source markets for the group include India, Indonesia, and Malaysia, underscoring its growing regional appeal.

Founded under Alliance Global Group Inc., Megaworld Hotels & Resorts is the country’s largest hotel operator with over 8,500 rooms across 13 hotels and seven brands.

Its “Sampaguita Service” philosophy promotes warmth, respect, and personalized care for guests of all backgrounds, now enhanced by its halal-focused services.

The award puts Megaworld alongside international leaders in Muslim-friendly hospitality, including The Mira Hong Kong and Malaysia’s Mohd Chan Group Berhad, which were also recognized at this year’s awards.

CrescentRating’s Halal in Travel Awards spotlight global players driving innovation and inclusivity in Muslim travel, a segment projected to reach 230 million travelers by 2028, according to its 2023 Global Muslim Travel Index.

With this landmark achievement, Megaworld Hotels & Resorts aims to reinforce the Philippines’ position as a welcoming destination for diverse travelers worldwide.