Hong Kong Expands Halal Options to Attract Muslim Tourists with New Experiences

Hong Kong is stepping up efforts to attract Muslim tourists by expanding halal options, improving hospitality services, and creating new immersive experiences. Once seen as a destination with limited facilities for Muslim travellers, the city is now positioning itself as one of Asia’s most promising hubs for halal tourism.

The government, together with the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and private partners, has rolled out several initiatives to make the city more Muslim-friendly. These measures include increasing halal-certified restaurants, supporting Muslim-friendly hotels, developing cultural experiences, and promoting the city globally as a destination where Muslim travellers feel welcome and comfortable.

Expanding Halal Certification and Food Options

A major part of this strategy is the rapid expansion of halal-certified dining. Authorities have set an ambitious target of having 500 halal-certified restaurants across the city by the end of 2025. Currently, more than 140 restaurants and over 50 hotels have already obtained halal certification, with many more expected to join the list.

This certification drive is designed to build trust among Muslim tourists, many of whom seek assurance that food and preparation methods comply with Islamic dietary requirements. By formalizing halal standards, Hong Kong aims to reduce the uncertainty Muslim travellers often face when dining abroad.

Partnerships and Campaigns for Muslim Travellers

The Hong Kong Tourism Board has partnered with online travel platform Klook to launch “Jelajah Hong Kong,” the city’s first campaign tailored to Muslim travellers. This program highlights halal dining options, prayer facilities, and faith-friendly services while also promoting Hong Kong’s unique attractions.

The city has also showcased its halal credentials at major events. During the Belt and Road Summit, for example, Muslim delegates were served halal-certified Cantonese cuisine at a high-end restaurant, demonstrating how Hong Kong can blend cultural authenticity with religious needs.

New Experiences and Cultural Attractions

Beyond food, Hong Kong is working to create more immersive experiences for Muslim visitors. Plans are being discussed for a dedicated halal bazaar — a cultural marketplace combining food stalls, traditional crafts, and live performances — particularly around Ramadan and Eid. Such events are expected to offer tourists not only halal dining but also a deeper cultural connection.

The city is also encouraging attractions, shopping centers, and transportation hubs to add prayer rooms and ablution facilities. These additions are considered essential for Muslim travellers, especially families who need convenient access to worship spaces during their trips.

Recognition as a Muslim-Friendly Destination

These efforts are already gaining international attention. In the Global Muslim Travel Index 2025, Hong Kong was ranked among the top non-OIC destinations and awarded the title “Most Promising Muslim-Friendly Destination of the Year.” Hotels across the city have begun integrating features such as halal meal services, Qibla direction markers, and prayer mats into their offerings.

This recognition highlights not only Hong Kong’s progress but also its potential to become a serious competitor to established Muslim-friendly destinations like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore.

Opportunities and Challenges

The growth of halal tourism in Hong Kong presents both opportunities and challenges. For tourists, the expansion of halal facilities provides reassurance and makes planning easier. For the local tourism industry, it opens access to a high-value market segment, as Muslim travellers often travel in groups, stay longer, and spend more on cultural experiences and dining.

However, challenges remain. Halal options are still concentrated in certain districts, leaving gaps in less central areas. Certification standards need to remain consistent to avoid confusion, and proposed cultural experiences must be carefully designed to feel authentic and inclusive rather than tokenistic. Infrastructure, such as prayer facilities at tourist sites and transport hubs, also requires more investment to meet the expectations of international visitors.

The outlook for Hong Kong’s halal tourism sector is strong. With policy backing, private-sector engagement, and recognition from international indexes, the city is moving steadily toward becoming a global hub for Muslim-friendly travel. The focus now will be on ensuring affordability, consistency, and authenticity in all new offerings.

If these initiatives are carried through successfully, Hong Kong could transform from a city once seen as limited for halal travellers into a destination of choice for millions of Muslim tourists from Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.