The Bellevue Resort in Panglao Island, Bohol, has earned dual recognition as the province’s first Halal-certified facility by the Halal International Chamber of Commerce and Industries of the Philippines (HICCIP) and as a Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishment by the Department of Tourism (DOT). The certifications required comprehensive operational changes, including dedicated halal kitchens, segregation protocols, prayer facilities, and staff training programs addressing Muslim traveler needs.
The landmark achievement positions the resort to serve the growing Muslim travel segment while supporting the Department of Tourism’s vision of establishing the Philippines as a halal-friendly destination.
“It’s a growing market,” said Dustin Chan, managing director of The Bellevue Resort, “and we hope more establishments will follow. For us, this is just the beginning.”
Halal certification process and kitchen operations
The Bellevue Resort’s Halal Certification required rigorous accreditation through HICCIP evaluating food sourcing, handling, preparation, and storage for compliance with Islamic dietary laws. The resort implemented dedicated halal kitchens and preparation areas at Marea Restaurant, established segregation protocols preventing cross-contamination, and verified all ingredients and suppliers met certified halal standards.
Halal certification requires complete separation of halal food preparation from non-halal operations, including dedicated equipment, utensils, cutting boards, storage areas, and cooking surfaces. Cross-contamination prevention extends to cleaning protocols, staff workflow patterns, and ingredient handling procedures ensuring no contact between halal and non-halal products.
Regular audits and documentation systems maintain consistency, traceability, and quality assurance across culinary operations. Certification bodies conduct periodic inspections verifying continued compliance with halal standards, reviewing supplier documentation, and observing kitchen operations to ensure protocol adherence.
“It covers the entire process, from delivery to back-of-house operations,” Chan said. “There’s a lot of detail and discipline involved.”
Halal-certified dining is available at Marea Al Fresco, the resort’s open-air beachfront restaurant, where dishes are prepared and served according to Islamic standards. The certification covers ingredient sourcing verification, slaughter method compliance for meat and poultry, alcohol prohibition, and prevention of any contact with prohibited substances.
DOT Muslim-Friendly Accommodation standards
The Department of Tourism recognition as a Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishment reflects compliance with Memorandum Circular No. 2024-0003, establishing national standards for accommodations serving Muslim travelers.
Infrastructure enhancements include designated prayer rooms (Musolla), Qibla direction indicators in all guest rooms, and access to Muslim-friendly information, including prayer times, nearby mosques, and halal dining options.
Staff at The Bellevue Resort further underwent specific training programs on the understanding of Muslim customs, traditions, and service expectations across departments from front office to culinary operations. The education component emphasizes cultural sensitivity, religious practice awareness, and appropriate service delivery respecting Islamic values and behavioral norms.
“This recognition is a testament to the collective effort of our entire team, who embraced the challenge of elevating our standards to meet global expectations for Muslim-friendly hospitality,” said Noli Soldevilla, resort manager. “It required intentional planning, continuous learning, and a genuine commitment to inclusivity, values that are deeply embedded in our culture at the resort.”
Muslim travel market growth and regional positioning
Muslim travel represents one of the fastest-expanding segments in global tourism, driven by growing middle-class populations in Muslim-majority countries, increasing international travel participation, and demand for destinations accommodating religious practices and dietary requirements. The market includes both religious tourism to Islamic heritage sites and leisure travel to destinations offering Muslim-friendly services.
The Department of Tourism’s strategy positions the Philippines as a halal-friendly destination competing for Muslim travelers from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Middle Eastern countries. The archipelago nation’s proximity to large Muslim populations in Southeast Asia creates geographic advantages for capturing regional travel demand.
The Bellevue Resort positions the achievement as foundational step toward broader industry adoption: “This milestone will inspire more establishments across the region to adopt inclusive practices and help elevate the Philippines as a preferred destination for Muslim travelers.”
Food safety and traceability systems
Halal certification’s emphasis on documentation, traceability, and regular audits aligns with broader food safety management systems, ensuring ingredient integrity, supplier verification, and process controls. The systematic approach to halal compliance strengthens overall food safety infrastructure beyond specifically serving Muslim guests.
Supplier certification requirements, ingredient documentation, and segregation protocols create comprehensive traceability, enabling rapid response to quality issues, allergen concerns, or contamination incidents. The enhanced documentation supports regulatory compliance, customer inquiries, and operational troubleshooting.
The Bellevue Resort operates on Panglao Island, a tourism destination in Bohol province known for beaches, diving sites, and resort development.
