Park Inn by Radisson Davao Receives the First DOT-Accredited Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishment in the Davao Region

SMHCC announces Park Inn by Radisson Davao’s recent recognition by the Department of Tourism (DOT) as the first Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishment in the Davao Region. This milestone underscores the hotel’s strong commitment to inclusive hospitality and culturally sensitive service.

This distinction is granted to DOT-accredited properties that meet clearly defined standards—ranging from religious considerations to dietary accommodations.

Park Inn by Radisson Davao’s Executive Sous Chef – Chef Vance Bolivar during the Halal Friendly Culinary Olympics last June 20 at the SMX Convention Center Davao

These measures include providing prayer mats, installing Qibla direction markers—which indicate the direction of prayer and ensure Muslims are united in facing the same point during worship, placing Qur’ans in guest rooms, and offering flexible meal options upon request, such as strictly no-pork or other Muslim-friendly alternatives. The hotel also maintains a dedicated non-pork station at its daily breakfast buffet and ensures that team members are trained in culturally respectful service.

Muslim team members within the kitchen and food & beverage service teams further strengthen this commitment. Their presence fosters greater cultural awareness and attentiveness to guest needs, often providing an added level of reassurance to Muslim diners. Guests can also interact with servers in familiar dialects, creating a friendlier, more welcoming environment that enhances the overall comfort of their stay.

Tiyula Itum Steak Medallion by Chef Vance Bolivar

The official certificate was awarded by DOT Region XI Regional Director Tanya Rabat-Tan to the hotel, with General Manager Sven Toune, Director of Sales and Marketing Liza Gamo, and Front Office Muslim representative Razul Gregorio receiving it on behalf of the team.

Further demonstrating its advocacy for inclusive hospitality, Park Inn by Radisson Davao also took part in the Philippine Halal Trade and Tourism Expo 2025, which was held at SMX Davao, another SMHCC-owned property, last June 18-20, 2025 as one of the patron sponsors and exhibitors.

The event concluded with the Halal Friendly Culinary Olympics, where the hotel’s Executive Sous Chef, Chef Vance Bolivar, showcased his creative rendition of Tiyula Itum through the Tiyula Itum Steak Medallion—a modern interpretation of the traditional Tausug dish. Typically served as a soup, Chef Vance reimagined it as a deconstructed plate by searing a tender cut of beef tenderloin and finishing it with a rich, dark sauce made from charred coconut and spices. The dish highlighted authentic flavors while demonstrating refined culinary techniques and elegant presentation.

L-R: DOT Region XI RD, RD Tanya Rabat-Tan, PIRD General Manager, Sven Toune, PIRD Director of Sales & Marketing, Liza Gamo and PIRD Front Office Rep, Razul Gregorio

Chef Vance drew inspiration from Chef Aira, a member of his culinary team who is Tausug, infusing the dish with authentic cultural roots. The entry earned 2nd place, underscoring the team’s culinary creativity, cultural respect, and growing expertise in Muslim-friendly food preparation.

The Department of Tourism Region XI commended the hotel for setting a standard in the local hospitality industry and for its pivotal role in making the Davao region a more accessible destination for travelers.

Ultimately, this recognition reaffirms Park Inn by Radisson Davao’s position as one of the trailblazers in inclusive hospitality, inspiring other establishments to follow suit. After all, building a more welcoming and culturally considerate tourism landscape is not just good practice—it is good hospitality.

For room inquiries, guests may contact: [email protected] | 082 272 7600

For meetings or social events inquiries, guests may contact: [email protected] | +63 917 827 9565

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About SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC)

SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC) was established in April 2008 with the primary purpose of developing and managing the hotel and convention properties of SM Prime, one of the largest integrated property developers in Southeast Asia. SMHCC is guided by its mission to be the leading hotel and convention company in the Philippines and its vision to build and operate hotels and convention centers that take pride in Filipino warmth and hospitality.

SMHCC’s encouraging growth has propelled the company’s goal to double its portfolio throughout the country within the next five years. It is geared towards becoming a brand powerhouse that ultimately seeks to create an indelible mark in the country’s tourism industry.

Currently, the SMHCC portfolio is comprised of ten (10) hotel properties with a combined inventory of more than 2,600 rooms and over 42,000 sqm. of leasable convention space. The list of properties under SMHCC includes Taal Vista Hotel, Pico Sands Hotel, Conrad Manila,

Lanson Place Mall of Asia, Radisson Blu Cebu, Park Inn by Radisson Clark, Park Inn by Radisson Davao, Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo, Park Inn by Radisson North EDSA, Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod, and the SMX Convention Centers and trade halls.

For more information, please visit https://smhotels.com.ph/

About Park Inn by Radisson Davao

Part of the Radisson Hotel Group, Park Inn by Radisson Davao features 204 contemporary and comfortable rooms and suites designed to deliver feel good experiences and warm hospitality for all types of guests from work, leisure, or anything in between.

Park Inn by Radisson Davao is 15 minutes away from the Francisco Bangoy International Airport, and the city center. It is conveniently connected to the SM Lanang Premier Mall that houses the SMX Convention Center. The hotel offers various facilities including two dining options, an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, and functions spaces where business meetings and social events can accommodate up to 220 guests.