The Department of Tourism (DOT) marked a milestone as it recognized Megaworld Hotels and Resorts (MHR) as the first developer in the Philippines to have all its properties certified as Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishments (MFAEs).
In a ceremonial awarding event at the DOT Office in Makati City, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco expressed gratitude to private sector partners like MHR for their steadfast support of the DOT’s initiatives and programs.
The collaboration between the DOT and MHR was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in May 2024 during the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The agreement specified that all 13 MHR properties would undergo the DOT MFAE Recognition Program, which adheres to Islamic values and global standards, ensuring services cater to the needs of Muslim travelers.
“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,” Frasco said.
Highlighting the importance of the Muslim travel market, the tourism chief noted its remarkable growth.
“From January to November 2024 alone, tourist arrivals from Muslim-majority countries reached 547,197—reflecting a 9.8% increase from 2023.”
“From January to November 2024 alone, tourist arrivals from Muslim-majority countries reached 547,197—reflecting a 9.8% increase from 2023—and now account for 10% of the Philippines’ total international arrivals,” the tourism head pointed out.
Under the Marcos administration, the DOT has championed inclusivity through initiatives like the SALAAM Halal Tourism and Trade Expo, the nationwide expansion of Muslim-friendly destinations and establishments, the launch of Marhaba Boracay Beach Cove in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Malay and MHR, and the promotion of Halal and Muslim-friendly tourism at international events such as the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai.
These efforts have cemented the Philippines’ reputation as an Emerging Muslim-Friendly Destination of the Year for Non-OIC Countries, a recognition the country has proudly received for two consecutive years.
“By proactively aligning all its properties with the DOT’s MFAE standards, Megaworld demonstrates not only a commitment to inclusivity but also a deep understanding of the evolving global tourism landscape.”
“By proactively aligning all its properties with the DOT’s MFAE standards, Megaworld demonstrates not only a commitment to inclusivity but also a deep understanding of the evolving global tourism landscape. Truly, Megaworld’s leadership in the accommodation sector sets a new benchmark for the industry, challenging other developers and stakeholders to follow suit—to integrate Muslim-friendly services, as well as products in all of their properties as well. This milestone is proof of what can be achieved when the public and private sectors come together to work hand-in-hand to elevate Philippine tourism,” she stressed.
Present at the event were MHR Managing Director Cleofe Albiso, Group General Manager Arturo Boncato, corporate officials, cluster general managers, area general managers, and general managers of all 13 MHR properties who flew in for the special occasion. Also in attendance were DOT officials, including Undersecretary Chief-of-Staff Shahlimar Hofer Tamano, Undersecretaries Myra Paz Valderrosa Abubakar, Maria Rica C. Bueno, and Verna Buensuceso, as well as DOT Assistant Secretaries and Directors.
