Megaworld Hotels and Resorts has certified all 13 of its properties as 100 per cent Muslim-friendly accommodations, a decisive move to capture the Muslim business events market.
By filling this niche demand, the hotel group aims to diversify its audience and counter the ongoing downturn in Chinese inbound travel.
“With less than a year from the time we declared our properties 100 per cent Muslim-Friendly accommodation establishment, we’ve already seen at least 20 million pesos (about US$354,000) worth of sales from this effort alone,” Megaworld Hotels’ managing director, Cleofe Albiso, shared.
According to Albiso, there is growing demand from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Middle East, and the local Muslim communities.
“By targeting and growing this additional market, we further diversify and populate our MICE venues, positioning them as inclusive destinations ready for global audiences,” Albiso added.
Albiso shared that Megaworld sees “tremendous opportunity” in the global Muslim travel market, citing projections by the Global Muslim Travel Index from Mastercard and CrescentRating that show the sector reaching US$225 billion by 2028. She further stressed that since the Philippines is still emerging in this space, it is “ripe for growth”.
The Philippines’ largest hotel operator currently manages seven brands and 8,500 keys, but its expansion is not limited to accommodations. The group is boosting its business events offerings with the planned late-year completion of the 2,500-pax Mactan Expo Centre in Cebu.
Additionally, Megaworld recently opened Marhaba Cove, a Muslim-friendly beach area, next to The Tent convention venue in Boracay Newcoast. Future plans also include developing new event venues within its township in the Manila Bay Area.
The Twin Lakes Hotel in Batangas, which sees heavy event traffic, has also implemented specialised training for staff on Muslim customs. Muslim delegates can now enjoy Halal-friendly dining via a separate menu and use a dedicated non-alcoholic corner, ensuring maximum cultural sensitivity.
Meanwhile, at Savoy Hotel Manila, its Soulful Stay Package caters to Muslim delegates with culturally sensitive room amenities. These features include Qibla direction, ablution facilities, clean water, Islamic/Arabic television channels, and a Muslim-friendly menu.
