Robinsons Hotels and Resorts (RHR) has reached a historic milestone by becoming the largest hotel group in the Philippines to be certified as Muslim-friendly by the Department of Tourism (DOT). This achievement highlights the group’s commitment to inclusivity, cultural awareness, and enhanced guest experiences across its portfolio.
In a formal ceremony, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco personally awarded the certification to the RHR brand. The recognition affirms the group’s portfolio-wide efforts to align its services and facilities with the needs of Muslim travelers. A total of 22 RHR properties have received the official certification, covering its extensive portfolio, including Grand Summit Hotel, Summit Hotels and Resorts, Go Hotels Plus, Go Hotels, and its international brands, The Westin Manila and Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria.
Portfolio-Wide Commitment to Inclusive Hospitality
The certification reflects Robinsons Hotels and Resorts’ dedication to building a more inclusive hospitality environment. By ensuring that multiple brands under its portfolio meet Muslim-friendly standards, the group demonstrates a unified approach to cultural sensitivity and guest accommodation.
The journey toward this milestone began with Grand Summit Hotel General Santos, which was the first RHR property to receive the distinction. Its prayer room has been recognized by the DOT as one of the best in the country. This facility has since served as a model for other hospitality establishments nationwide, setting a benchmark for Muslim-friendly amenities in the Philippines.
To support Muslim guests more effectively, RHR has implemented specialized facilities and services across its certified properties. These include dedicated prayer spaces and staff training programs designed to provide respectful and culturally appropriate service. These enhancements ensure that Muslim travelers can enjoy a seamless and comfortable stay while observing their traditions and preferences.
Recognition and Industry Leadership
This certification marks another significant achievement for Robinsons Hotels and Resorts, which continues to gain recognition both locally and internationally. The group was recently named “Philippines’ Leading Hotel Group” at the World Travel Awards Asia and “Best Hospitality Developer” at the Property Guru Asia Property Awards.
These accolades reinforce the company’s reputation as a leader in the hospitality industry. However, the organization views these recognitions not just as achievements, but as a responsibility to continue innovating and improving its services.
Barun Jolly, Senior Vice President and Business Unit General Manager of Robinsons Hotels and Resorts, emphasized the importance of this milestone and the group’s ongoing commitment:
“This certification is a testament to our deep respect for the Muslim community, which is an increasingly vital and vibrant part of our national tourism landscape. As a multi-awarded group—honored by the World Travel Awards Asia and Property Guru Asia—we are constantly looking for ways to be truly deserving of these citations. By certifying 22 of our properties, we are ensuring our hospitality is world-class and inclusive. We are honored to support the Department of Tourism’s vision of a more diverse and globally accessible industry where every traveler, regardless of faith, feels truly at home.”
Supporting National Tourism Development
The certification of Robinsons Hotels and Resorts, the hospitality arm of Robinsons Land Corporation, represents a meaningful contribution to the Department of Tourism’s National Tourism Development Plan. By achieving the highest number of Muslim-friendly certifications among hotel groups in the Philippines, RHR strengthens its position as an industry leader.
This milestone also reflects a broader shift within the tourism sector toward inclusivity and cultural awareness. Robinsons Hotels and Resorts continues to advocate for a hospitality landscape that welcomes diverse travelers and meets evolving global standards.
As the largest hospitality group in the Philippines with the most diversified portfolio, RHR operates 30 properties across 20 cities and municipalities. The group manages more than 5,000 room keys nationwide, ranging from ultra-luxury accommodations to essential value offerings.
Through this latest achievement, Robinsons Hotels and Resorts reinforces its commitment to delivering accessible, inclusive, and culturally sensitive hospitality experiences for all guests.
