The Bellevue Resort has raised the bar for hospitality in Bohol, achieving a landmark dual recognition that positions it at the forefront of inclusive tourism in the region. The resort is now the province’s first Halal-certified property, accredited by the Halal International Chamber of Commerce and Industries of the Philippines, and officially recognized as a Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishment by the Department of Tourism Philippines.
This milestone reflects the resort’s strategic commitment to culturally sensitive, globally aligned hospitality—ensuring that Muslim travelers, as well as guests seeking halal-certified options, experience comfort, respect, and seamless service throughout their stay.
Raising the Standard for Halal Hospitality
The Bellevue Resort’s Halal certification was secured through a rigorous and comprehensive accreditation process led by HICCIP. Every aspect of food operations—from sourcing and preparation to storage and service—underwent strict evaluation to ensure full compliance with Islamic dietary laws.
To meet these standards, the resort implemented dedicated halal kitchens and preparation zones at its Marea Restaurant, along with strict segregation protocols to prevent cross-contamination. All ingredients and suppliers were vetted to meet certified halal requirements, supported by robust documentation systems and regular audits to ensure consistency and traceability.
Guests can now enjoy halal-certified dining at Marea Al Fresco, the resort’s beachfront restaurant, where every dish is prepared in accordance with Islamic guidelines.
“Halal compliance goes far beyond ingredient selection—it covers the entire process, from delivery to back-of-house operations. It requires discipline and attention to detail,” said Managing Director Dustin Chan.
Aligning with a Growing Global Market
This achievement directly supports the Department of Tourism’s broader vision of positioning the Philippines as a premier Halal-friendly destination. As Muslim travel continues to expand globally, The Bellevue Resort is strategically positioned to cater to this fast-growing segment.
“It’s a growing market, and we hope more establishments will follow. For us, this is just the beginning,” Chan added.
A Fully Integrated Muslim-Friendly Experience
Building on its Halal certification, the resort further strengthened its commitment by earning official recognition as a Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishment under national guidelines.
To achieve this, The Bellevue Resort introduced thoughtful enhancements across the guest experience, including:
- Dedicated prayer rooms (Musolla)
- Qibla direction indicators in all guest rooms
- Access to Muslim-friendly information and services
- Expanded halal-certified food and beverage offerings
Beyond infrastructure, the initiative emphasized cultural understanding. Resort staff across all departments underwent specialized training to deepen their knowledge of Muslim customs, traditions, and service expectations—ensuring that every guest interaction is both respectful and culturally attuned.
“This recognition is a testament to the collective effort of our team,” said Resort Manager Noli Soldevilla. “It required intentional planning, continuous learning, and a genuine commitment to inclusivity—values that are deeply embedded in our culture.”
A Milestone for Bohol Tourism
With this dual recognition, The Bellevue Resort not only strengthens its leadership in hospitality but also contributes to a broader transformation within Bohol’s tourism landscape—one that embraces diversity, inclusivity, and global relevance.
More importantly, the achievement signals a shift toward a more welcoming travel environment where every guest—regardless of background—feels valued and respected.
As the demand for Muslim-friendly travel continues to rise, The Bellevue Resort hopes to inspire more destinations across the Philippines to adopt inclusive practices and elevate the country’s standing as a preferred destination for Muslim travelers.
At its core, this milestone underscores a deeper philosophy: hospitality is not just about service—it’s about meaningful connections built on understanding, respect, and shared human experience.
