Halal-Friendly Travel: Ascott Philippines Earns Key CrescentRating Honors

Welcoming Muslim travelers and strengthening commitment to inclusive hospitality

As the Philippines continues to emerge as one of the region’s fastest-growing destinations for Muslim travelers, The Ascott Limited Philippines is reinforcing its commitment to inclusive hospitality by expanding its Muslim-friendly offerings across its portfolio.

Recent coverage by the Philippine Information Agency highlighted the country’s remarkable progress in Muslim-friendly tourism, noting that the Philippines now boasts 67 recognized Muslim-friendly accommodations, dining establishments, and prayer facilities nationwide. As demand from Muslim travelers continues to grow, hospitality providers are raising the bar by creating more culturally inclusive and welcoming experiences.

Supporting this national tourism initiative, The Ascott Limited Philippines has earned multiple CrescentRating CrescentStar Certifications, recognizing its efforts to provide accommodations and services that thoughtfully cater to the needs of Muslim guests.

Eleven Ascott Properties Receive CrescentStar Certifications

A total of 11 Ascott properties were recognized for their commitment to Muslim-friendly hospitality.

The following properties received 2-Crescent Star Rating Certifications:

• Ascott Makati
• Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila
• Somerset Central Salcedo Makati
• Somerset Alabang Manila
• Somerset Valero Makati
• Citadines Amigo Iloilo
• Citadines Bay City Manila
• Citadines Salcedo Makati
• Citadines Benavidez Makati
• Citadines Roces Quezon City

Meanwhile, Citadines Bacolod City achieved the prestigious 3-Crescent Star Rating Certification, highlighting its enhanced range of Muslim-friendly facilities and guest services.

These recognitions reflect Ascott’s ongoing efforts to deliver accommodations, dining experiences, amenities, and recreational offerings that embrace cultural sensitivity while meeting internationally recognized standards for Muslim-friendly hospitality.

Enhancing the Guest Experience

To better serve Muslim travelers, participating properties have introduced thoughtful features that make every stay more comfortable and convenient.

QR codes are now available at front desks, allowing guests to easily access digital Qibla direction tools for prayer.

In addition, selected associates—particularly from hotel operations teams—have successfully completed specialized Muslim-friendly hospitality assessments, equipping them with the knowledge and understanding needed to better assist Muslim guests.

Properties with in-house restaurants also offer Muslim-friendly menu options, while hotels without their own food and beverage outlets provide curated recommendations for nearby Halal-certified dining establishments.

Meeting Global Standards for Muslim-Friendly Travel

The certifications were awarded by CrescentRating, the world’s leading authority on Muslim-friendly travel accreditation.

CrescentRating evaluates accommodations, restaurants, and tourism establishments based on their ability to provide services that meet the needs of Muslim travelers, including Halal dining options, prayer facilities, and culturally appropriate guest experiences.

Its globally recognized rating system helps travelers identify destinations and businesses that prioritize accessibility, inclusivity, and respect for diverse cultural and religious practices.

Advancing Inclusive Hospitality

The Ascott Limited Philippines is not stopping with its current achievements.

More properties are currently undergoing the final evaluation process for CrescentStar Certification as the company works toward its goal of achieving 100% CrescentStar certification across its Philippine portfolio by the end of 2026.

This initiative forms part of Ascott CARES, the group’s global sustainability framework, which champions responsible hospitality by creating welcoming spaces that celebrate diversity, foster inclusion, and respect the unique cultures, beliefs, and travel needs of every guest.

By continually enhancing its Muslim-friendly offerings, The Ascott Limited Philippines is helping make travel across the country more accessible, comfortable, and enriching—supporting the Philippines’ growing reputation as a welcoming destination for Muslim travelers from around the world.