KUALA LUMPUR, March 19: With a growing number of Muslim-friendly hotels and Halal certified eateries in Hong Kong, the island nation is all set to make the travelling experience even more enhanced for Muslim travellers in the country.
Its past efforts to encourage more Muslim travellers has also paid off, with arrivals from Indonesia and Malaysia having increased by 43 percent and 50 percent year-on-year respectively, reflecting the strong travel interest of Indonesians and Malaysians towards Hong Kong.
At an Iftar (fast-breaking dinner) gathering recently organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) for the Media and Trade, its Regional Director of Southeast Asia, Liew Chian Jia said Hong Kong has been continuing to make progress in becoming a Muslim-friendly destination of choice, with enhanced services and facilities that cater to the needs of Muslim travellers.
“Today, more attractions, restaurants and hotels are being accredited, which reflects Hong Kong’s enthusiasm in ensuring the best experience for Muslim travellers. We are dedicated to position Hong Kong as a top Muslim-friendly destination, especially for Indonesia and Malaysia, and we look forward to welcoming more Muslim guests to experience the best of Hong Kong in 2025 and beyond.”
As part of HKTB’s efforts the hotels participating in Crescent Rating’s (CR) accreditation program — a program rating hotel on their Muslim-friendliness developed by Crescent Rating, an internationally renowned Muslim travel marketing company has increased from the previous years.
As of February 2025, 52 hotels in Hong Kong have successfully obtained an accreditation rating
from Crescent Rating, depending on the Muslim-friendly facilities available at the hotels. In
addition, Hong Kong has significantly expanded its selection of Halal-certified and
Muslim-friendly restaurants, accredited by Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community
Fund of Hong Kong (Board of Trustees).
The city now has 153 Halal-certified and Muslim-owned eateries offering visitors a wider array of culinary options, up from around 100 Halal-certified eateries when HKTB first launched its Muslim-friendly push in June 2024.
–WE