Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR), the Philippines’ largest hotel operator, will be part of this year’s Philippine Halal Trade and Tourism Expo (PHTTE), happening from June 18 to 20 at the SMX Convention Center in Davao City.
“Participating in events like the Philippine Halal Trade and Tourism Expo allows us to stay abreast with the needs of our Muslim guests while showcasing our genuine commitment to inclusivity. We proudly support platforms that open doors for partnerships and deeper understanding of Halal travel. Championing Muslim tourism is a responsibility we have embraced as part of our Sampaguita brand of service and our identity as a Filipino hospitality brand,” said Cleofe Albiso, Managing Director of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts.
With this year’s theme, “Showcasing diverse Halal, Halal-ready and friendly markets of all regions to the international arena,” PHTTE 2025 aims to bridge domestic and international markets through the promotion of Halal-certified products, services, and tourism experiences. The event highlights opportunities in the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), placing focus on Halal trade, tourism, and agriculture.
Megaworld Hotels & Resorts’ participation reaffirms its commitment to fostering inclusivity and cultural understanding in the hospitality sector. Since signing the Memorandum of Understanding on May 6, 2024, during the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, MHR has consistently led initiatives to support the growing demand for Muslim-friendly accommodations in the Philippines.
From January to March 2025, the group saw a 40% increase in Muslim stays and a 58% rise in revenue compared to the same period the previous year. Key source markets such as India, Indonesia, and Malaysia continue to drive this growth, reflecting strong traveler confidence in MHR’s offerings.
MHR is the first and largest hotel chain recognized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) as a 100% Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishment (MFAE) across all 13 of its properties. This includes popular destinations such as Savoy Hotel Boracay, Belmont Hotel Mactan, and Hotel Lucky Chinatown, ensuring that Muslim travelers have access to prayer facilities, halal-certified meals, and inclusive service.
Moreover, MHR ensures that the hotel kitchens of Kingsford Hotel Manila, Grand Westside Hotel, Savoy Hotel Boracay, Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown, Belmont Hotel Mactan, and Hotel Lucky Chinatown are Halal-certified by the Halal International Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines (HICCIP) designed to meet the dietary needs and expectations of Muslim guests.
As Megaworld Hotels & Resorts joins this year’s PHTTE in Davao City, it continues to elevate Filipino hospitality through inclusive service and innovation. By supporting Halal trade and tourism, MHR strengthens the Philippines’ position as a welcoming destination for Muslim travelers in Southeast Asia and beyond.