Village Connect
Robinsons Hotels and Resorts (RHR) has reached a significant milestone in Philippine hospitality after being recognized as the largest hotel group in the country certified as Muslim-friendly by the Department of Tourism (DOT). The recognition highlights the group’s strong commitment to creating an inclusive and culturally respectful environment for travelers from diverse backgrounds.
The certification was formally awarded by Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco during a ceremony honoring the hospitality group’s efforts to align its services with the needs of Muslim travelers. A total of 22 properties under the Robinsons Hotels and Resorts portfolio received the official certification. These include brands such as Grand Summit Hotel, Summit Hotels and Resorts, Go Hotels Plus, Go Hotels, as well as international partners The Westin Manila and Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria.
The initiative began with Grand Summit Hotel General Santos, which became the first property within the group to earn the Muslim-friendly designation. The hotel’s prayer room, designed to provide a comfortable and respectful space for Muslim guests, was recognized by the Department of Tourism as one of the best in the country. Its design and service standards later served as a model for similar facilities in other hotels across the Philippines.
To ensure a welcoming experience for Muslim guests, Robinsons Hotels and Resorts introduced a range of specialized services and facilities across its certified properties. These include dedicated prayer rooms, clear guidance for religious practices, and staff training programs focused on cultural awareness and hospitality etiquette aligned with Muslim traditions.
The recognition adds to the growing list of international accolades received by the hospitality group. Robinsons Hotels and Resorts was recently named “Philippines’ Leading Hotel Group” at the World Travel Awards Asia and received the title of “Best Hospitality Developer” at the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards. For the company, these achievements reflect not only its industry leadership but also its responsibility to continue improving the guest experience.
Barun Jolly, Senior Vice President and Business Unit General Manager of Robinsons Hotels and Resorts, shared that the certification reflects the group’s commitment to serving a broader global audience. He emphasized that the growing Muslim travel market is an important part of the country’s tourism landscape and that inclusive hospitality plays a key role in welcoming travelers from different cultures and faiths.
As the hospitality arm of Robinsons Land Corporation, RHR continues to expand its footprint across the country. With 30 properties located in 20 cities and municipalities and more than 5,000 room keys nationwide, the group remains one of the Philippines’ most diversified hotel operators, offering accommodations that range from luxury experiences to accessible value stays while promoting a more inclusive tourism industry.
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