source: discoverhongkong.com

In an exciting development for Muslim travelers, over 140 restaurants and 50 hotels in Hong Kong have recently received halal certification or international accreditation for Muslim tourism, as reported by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB). This initiative coincides with the holy month of Ramadan, which began on Saturday and will conclude on March 30.

To date, 53 hotels, along with five attractions and exhibition venues, have been accredited by CrescentRating, a leading certifier in the Muslim tourism sector. Additionally, more than 140 local restaurants have achieved halal certification, enhancing the culinary landscape for Muslim visitors.

Becky Ip Ching-tak, the deputy executive director of HKTB, expressed enthusiasm about the progress made in establishing Hong Kong as a Muslim-friendly tourism destination. She noted that businesses are actively seizing the opportunity to apply for accreditation and introduce halal-certified products, enriching the experience for Muslim visitors in terms of dining, accommodation, and shopping.

To further support this initiative, the HKTB is developing a series of training materials aimed at frontline tourism professionals. These resources will cover essential topics such as greetings, cultural customs, dietary needs, appropriate attire, and daily life practices. “Our goal is to deepen their understanding of Muslim culture and enhance their hospitality skills,” Ip explained. Looking ahead, the board plans to intensify its promotional efforts in Muslim visitor-source markets.

Last month, HKTB hosted over 20 representatives from the Muslim travel trade for a familiarization trip to showcase the city’s Muslim-friendly facilities and tourism offerings. A total of 22 representatives from Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia—key Southeast Asian markets for Hong Kong—visited from February 17 to 20. During their stay, they indulged in authentic halal Chinese cuisine, including crab roe noodles, and sampled local delicacies like handmade cookies and Hong Kong-style dim sum.

The itinerary included visits to popular attractions such as Ocean Park, where they encountered giant pandas An An and Ke Ke, as well as Disneyland, Ngong Ping 360, the historic fishing village of Tai O, and several mosques. The group also toured various Muslim-accredited hotels to assess their accommodation options and catering services.

AB Sadewa from the Indonesian travel agency Moslem Tour-Panorama JTB praised Hong Kong’s readiness to welcome Muslim travelers. “The ecosystem of hotels and restaurants is well-prepared to receive visitors from our market. They will find that Hong Kong has reached a new level as a destination for Muslim travelers,” he remarked.

Among the halal-certified hotels are The Mira Hong Kong in Tsim Sha Tsui and its sister property, Mira Moon, located on Hong Kong Island. Both hotels have received five crescents on CrescentRating’s seven-tier system. To cater to Muslim guests during Ramadan, some hotels, including the Mira, have equipped rooms with Mecca direction indicators, Qurans, and prayer rugs. Additionally, several establishments have introduced special Ramadan buffets, ensuring a welcoming environment for Muslim visitors during this holy month.

As Hong Kong continues to enhance its offerings for Muslim travelers, it is poised to become a premier destination that celebrates diversity and inclusivity in tourism.

Original Article:

Halal Focus. (2025, March 20). China halal certified offerings expanded. Halal Focus. https://halalfocus.com/china-halal-certified-offerings-expanded/