Hong Kong Emerges as the Most Promising Muslim Friendly Destination in 2025

In 2025, Hong Kong has reached an important milestone in the global travel industry. The Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2025 ranked the city among the world’s most welcoming places for Muslim travellers. Not only has Hong Kong secured third place among non-OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) destinations, but it has also been awarded the prestigious title of “Most Promising Muslim-Friendly Destination of the Year.”

This recognition places Hong Kong alongside leading destinations such as Singapore and the United Kingdom, both of which hold the top two spots for non-OIC markets. The city also recorded the largest score increase among all non-OIC destinations, marking a leap forward in its efforts to attract Muslim travellers.

Why Hong Kong Stands Out

The improvement is not by chance. A series of deliberate initiatives, investments, and policy changes have helped the city transform its tourism landscape. Over the past year, Hong Kong has taken notable steps to make its services and facilities more inclusive for Muslim travellers.

Growing Number of Muslim-Friendly Hotels

According to the GMTI report, 61 hotels in Hong Kong are now accredited by CrescentRating for meeting Muslim-friendly standards. Many of these hotels provide not only halal dining options but also prayer facilities, Qibla direction indicators in rooms, and family-friendly services tailored to faith-based travellers.

Expanding Halal Dining Options

Food is central to the Muslim travel experience, and Hong Kong has made significant progress in this area. The city now hosts over 150 halal-certified and Muslim-friendly restaurants, certified by the Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong. These eateries range from Middle Eastern and South Asian to local Cantonese cuisines adapted for halal standards, offering visitors more choice than ever before.

Improved Infrastructure and Tourist Facilities

Tourist attractions, transit hubs, and major event venues are being assessed for Muslim-friendly services. Popular sites are adding prayer spaces and ablution facilities, while meeting and exhibition venues such as the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and AsiaWorld-Expo are adapting their offerings to suit diverse needs. This is particularly important as Hong Kong positions itself as a hub for business travel and large-scale events.

Supportive Policies and Marketing Campaigns

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has been actively promoting the city to Muslim travellers, especially in Southeast Asia. Campaigns like “Jelajah Hong Kong” highlight halal dining, Muslim-friendly hotels, and cultural experiences. On a policy level, the government has streamlined travel for certain ASEAN nations, while also encouraging local businesses to adopt halal certification and accreditation standards.

What Muslim Travellers Can Expect

For Muslim travellers planning a trip to Hong Kong, the recognition from GMTI offers reassurance. The city now provides a stronger balance of convenience, inclusivity, and cultural respect.

• Food Variety: With more than 150 halal-certified restaurants, travellers can enjoy international cuisine alongside local specialties adapted for halal requirements.

• Accommodation Comfort: Accredited hotels provide halal meals, prayer spaces, and other Muslim-friendly amenities.

• Accessibility: Public transport, airports, and major tourist areas are increasingly conscious of Muslim needs, making it easier to travel with peace of mind.

Things to Keep in Mind

While Hong Kong’s progress is impressive, travellers should still plan carefully. Certification levels may vary across restaurants and hotels, so it is wise to confirm if establishments are formally accredited. Some smaller attractions may not yet have dedicated prayer or ablution facilities, and halal Cantonese options, though growing, are still limited compared to international cuisines.

Hong Kong’s leadership has praised the achievement, with Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu highlighting that the ranking reflects years of investment in infrastructure and inclusivity. Industry experts also view the award as a signal that Hong Kong is serious about positioning itself as a Muslim-friendly hub, though they note the importance of maintaining consistency in halal certification and cultural sensitivity.

Part of a Global Shift

The recognition of Hong Kong aligns with a global trend in which non-OIC countries are competing to attract Muslim travellers. The GMTI evaluates factors such as dining, accommodations, accessibility, safety, and overall experience, all of which are becoming standard considerations in global tourism planning.

There is also a growing focus on Muslim women travellers, with destinations expected to enhance safety, privacy, and tailored services. Hong Kong is beginning to respond to this demand, offering greater flexibility and cultural respect in its hospitality sector.

Looking forward, Hong Kong is expected to expand its halal certification network further, especially in suburban areas where options remain limited. More apps and digital tools are being developed to help Muslim visitors plan itineraries, find certified dining, and locate prayer facilities. The city is also likely to strengthen its collaboration with Southeast Asian countries, which remain its strongest markets for inbound Muslim tourism.

Hong Kong’s recognition as the Most Promising Muslim-Friendly Destination of the Year in 2025 marks a turning point for its tourism sector. With accredited hotels, expanding halal dining, and policy support, the city is becoming a reliable choice for Muslim travellers seeking both leisure and business opportunities.

The achievement is not just an award — it represents Hong Kong’s broader vision of inclusivity, cultural awareness, and economic growth through faith-conscious tourism. For Muslim travellers, this means greater comfort, convenience, and confidence when choosing Hong Kong as a destination.