Hong Kong introduces halal certifications, Muslim-friendly hotel ratings, and enhanced facilities at attractions to welcome Muslim travellers.
/muslim-friendly-tourism-grows-in-hong-kong/Muslim-friendly-tourism-grows-in-Hong-Kong.jpg?tr=w-780%2Ch-440%2Cfo-auto "Enhanced facilities at attractions include separate prayer spaces for men and women, halal food options, and additional ablution facilities.")
Hong Kong has introduced a Muslim-friendly accreditation system for hotels and tourist attractions to complement its existing halal restaurant certifications. The initiative, led by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), also includes halal certification for Chinesology, the city’s first fine-dining Chinese eatery.
“Consumers as travellers… have a lot of [other] touchpoints; for example, restaurants and hotels,” said Becky Ip Ching-tak, HKTB Deputy Executive Director. The board aims to encourage more partners to make Hong Kong more accessible to Muslim travellers.
Hotels and attractions were evaluated by CrescentRating, a Singapore-based consultancy specialising in the Muslim travel market. Hotels were rated on a scale from one to seven, with a score of three meeting the minimum requirements for being Muslim-friendly. Requirements include Qibla directions, nearby mosque listings, and halal breakfast options.
The Ocean Park Marriott Hotel and Kowloon Shangri-La received the highest rating of five for also having halal-certified kitchens. Tourist attractions were ranked bronze, silver, or gold. Gold-certified sites, such as Ocean Park and Ngong Ping 360, feature ablution facilities and Muslim-friendly toilets.
The accreditation complements the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong’s existing halal restaurant certifications, which ensure food preparation adheres to halal dietary laws.
Chinesology, located in the IFC Mall, is now Hong Kong’s first halal-friendly fine-dining Chinese restaurant. Culinary director Saito Chau Sai-to noted that achieving certification required significant operational changes, such as purchasing new equipment and sourcing halal-certified ingredients.
Chinesology offers 20 halal dishes, including a version of char siu made with beef instead of pork, reflecting its mission to blend Chinese culinary traditions with diverse cultural needs.
