In a country as culturally rich and diverse as the Philippines, hospitality must go beyond the basics.
It should reflect how people live, eat, and pray. For millions of Filipino Muslims—and travelers from across Southeast Asia—feeling welcome means more than receiving a smile at check-in.
It means having prayer spaces, pork-free meals, and respectful service that understands religious values.
That’s why Park Inn by Radisson Davao’s recognition as the first Muslim-friendly hotel in Davao Region marks an important step forward.
The hotel isn’t just offering inclusive options—it’s redefining what genuine Filipino hospitality can look like for a wider, more culturally diverse audience.
Hospitality Begins with Respect
When the Department of Tourism (DOT) launched its Muslim-friendly accreditation program, Park Inn responded immediately.
The hotel committed to an eight-month process involving staff consultations, cultural training, and an audit from DOT’s central office.
General Manager Sven Toune said they had always welcomed guests from BARMM, but knew they needed to do more than offer a room—they had to create a space where guests felt fully understood.
To do that, the hotel added prayer mats, Qur’ans, and Qibla direction markers to guest rooms. It introduced a dedicated non-pork station at the breakfast buffet and trained staff to handle dietary restrictions with care.
Inclusivity became part of their daily operations—not a special request.
Tiyula Itum, Reimagined
Park Inn’s commitment extended to the kitchen.
At the 2025 Philippine Halal Trade and Tourism Expo, held at SMX Davao, the hotel joined as a patron sponsor and exhibitor.
During the Halal Friendly Culinary Olympics, Executive Sous Chef Vance Bolivar presented a creative take on Tiyula Itum, a traditional Tausug beef soup. Working closely with Chef Aira, a Tausug member of the culinary team, he reimagined the dish as a plated steak medallion with a rich, charred coconut sauce.
“This dish honors Chef Aira’s roots and shows how tradition and creativity can work together,” said Bolivar.
The dish earned second place—proof that cultural heritage and modern technique can go hand in hand.
What Cultural Hospitality Feels Like
During a recent visit to BARMM, Park Inn shared the news of their DOT accreditation with local officials and longtime guests.
Toune recalled how many of them expressed gratitude and said they finally felt seen. For him, the response confirmed that hospitality is about more than amenities—it’s about intention.
The hotel now ensures that Muslim staff members are present in guest-facing roles, especially in food service. Guests can interact in familiar dialects and feel comfortable making special requests.
“That sense of ease,” Toune said, “is what turns a stay into something memorable.”
Not Just a Title, But a Practice
Although Park Inn is not halal-certified—an accreditation that involves a separate audit—it proudly offers Muslim-friendly food and services.
This year, in time for Kadayawan Festival, the hotel will feature regional Muslim dishes such as Tiyula Itum and Chicken Pianggang, celebrating the richness of Mindanao’s culinary heritage.
Toune emphasized that inclusivity is no longer just a program. It’s embedded in the hotel’s culture. Training modules have been updated, and all new hires undergo cultural awareness onboarding.
Park Inn’s commitment is not performative—it’s structural.
A National Vision, Grounded in Davao
DOT Region XI, led by Regional Director Tanya Rabat-Tan, formally awarded the Muslim-friendly certification to Toune, Liza Gamo (Director of Sales and Marketing), and Razul Gregorio (Front Office Muslim representative).
The award affirmed Park Inn’s leadership in building a more inclusive tourism landscape in Mindanao.
In a statement, DOT Undersecretary for Muslim Affairs Myrna T. Abubakar said she welcomed the recognition and noted the growing market for Muslim travelers—especially in Mindanao, where many Filipino Muslims reside.
“Let us continue to remain steadfast in our shared vision of making not only Davao, but the whole country, a truly Muslim-friendly destination,” she said. “A place that warmly welcomes every traveler with respect, inclusivity, and our Filipino brand of service—offered excellently.”
As more travelers seek out spaces that align with their values and beliefs, Park Inn hopes other hotels follow suit.
“If we want to welcome the world,” said Toune, “we start by welcoming every Filipino.”
Read more Simpol.ph Stories about inclusive travel, Filipino food heritage, and what real hospitality looks like.
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What does culturally respectful service mean to you? Share your thoughts with us.
