VIA GRAPHIC PLUS | Panglao Island, Bohol, April 2026 — The Bellevue Resort has set a new benchmark for hospitality in Bohol, earning dual recognition as the province’s first Halal-certified 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).

This landmark achievement underscores the resort’s unwavering commitment to inclusive, culturally respectful, and globally attuned hospitality.

These prestigious distinctions reinforce The Bellevue Resort’s leadership in delivering culturally sensitive experiences for Muslim travelers, as well as for guests seeking halal-certified dining options.

The resort’s Halal Certification was earned through a rigorous and comprehensive accreditation process led by HICCIP. This involved strict evaluation of food sourcing, handling, preparation, and storage to ensure full compliance with Islamic dietary laws. The resort implemented dedicated halal kitchens and preparation areas at Marea Restaurant, established clear segregation protocols to prevent cross-contamination, and ensured that all ingredients and suppliers met certified halal standards. Regular audits and documentation systems were also put in place to uphold consistency, traceability, and quality assurance across all culinary operations.

Halal-certified dining is now available at Marea Al Fresco, The Bellevue Resort’s open-air beachfront restaurant, where dishes are prepared and served in accordance with strict Islamic standards.

Dustin Chan, Managing Director, emphasized that halal compliance goes well beyond ingredient selection. “It covers the entire process, from delivery to back-of-house operations. There’s a lot of detail and discipline involved.” he said.

This milestone directly supports the Department of Tourism’s vision of positioning the Philippines as a Halal-friendly destination, expanding access for Muslim travelers while promoting inclusive tourism across the region.

“It’s a growing market,” Chan added, “and we hope more establishments will follow. For us, this is just the beginning.”

Building on this achievement, The Bellevue Resort was subsequently recognized by the Department of Tourism as a Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishment, in accordance with Memorandum Circular No. 2024-0003, or the Guidelines Governing the Operations and Recognition of Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishments. This certification reflects the resort’s compliance with stringent national standards designed to address the unique needs and values of Muslim travelers.

To achieve this distinction, the resort undertook a series of thoughtful enhancements across multiple guest touchpoints. These include the integration of designated prayer rooms (Musolla), the provision of Qibla direction indicators in all guest rooms, and access to Muslim-friendly information. Halal-certified food and beverage offerings were further strengthened at Marea Al Fresco, ensuring strict adherence to halal standards from sourcing to service.

Beyond infrastructure, the accreditation process placed strong emphasis on education and cultural sensitivity. The Bellevue Resort’s team underwent specialized training programs to deepen their understanding of Muslim customs, traditions, and service expectations. From front office to culinary operations, associates are equipped to deliver service that is not only efficient, but also respectful and culturally attuned.

“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.”

This dual recognition positions The Bellevue Resort at the forefront of inclusive and sustainable tourism in Bohol. More importantly, it reflects a broader vision: to create a destination where diversity is celebrated, and every traveler feels welcomed, valued, and respected.

As Muslim travel continues to grow as one of the fastest-expanding segments in global tourism, The Bellevue Resort hopes 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.

At The Bellevue Resort, hospitality goes beyond service, it is about creating meaningful connections through understanding, respect, and shared experiences. This achievement marks not only a milestone for the resort, but also a meaningful step forward for Bohol’s tourism industry toward a more inclusive and diverse future.

For more information about The Bellevue Resort and its halal and Muslim-friendly initiatives, please visit www.thebellevuebohol.com or email info@thebellevuebohol.com.