Hong Kong Ranks Third in Muslim-Friendly Travel Destinations

Hong Kong has secured the third spot among non-Islamic economies in the 2025 Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI), marking a significant milestone in its efforts to attract Muslim travelers. This ranking, a one-place improvement from last year, was announced by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) on Friday, alongside the city’s recognition as the “Most Promising Muslim-Friendly Destination of the Year.”

Hong Kong’s Halal Tourism Commitment

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu celebrated the achievement, emphasizing Hong Kong’s dedication to fostering a Muslim-friendly environment. Since June last year, over 60 establishments, including hotels like Island Shangri-La and Kerry Hotel, have earned Muslim-friendly accreditation from CrescentRating. These venues offer halal dining, prayer spaces, and culturally sensitive services, adhering to CrescentRating’s rigorous one-to-seven rating scale.

Growing Muslim-Friendly Infrastructure

Hong Kong’s tourism sector is expanding its halal offerings, with certified restaurants, prayer facilities, and cultural sensitivity at major attractions. The GMTI report praises the city’s progress, though challenges remain in ensuring comprehensive services like gender-segregated ablution facilities and distraction-free prayer rooms.

Challenges in Halal Practices

Sharifa Leung, founder of Hani Halal, highlights the need for better staff training to address gaps in understanding Muslim culture. Issues like inadequate ablution facilities, reflective prayer room windows, and confusion over halal practices underscore the importance of education to enhance visitor experiences.

Top Muslim-Friendly Destinations

• Singapore: Leads with extensive halal dining, prayer spaces, and cultural inclusivity.

• UK: Offers robust Muslim-friendly amenities in cities like London and Birmingham.

• Hong Kong: Ranks third, with growing halal infrastructure and promising potential.

• Taiwan: Provides halal options and prayer facilities, especially in Taipei.

• Thailand: Known for halal services in Phuket and Krabi.

• Japan: Increasingly accommodating with halal restaurants in Tokyo and Kyoto.

• South Korea: Welcomes Muslim travelers with halal food in Seoul.

• Australia: Features Muslim-friendly services in Sydney and Melbourne.

• Germany: Offers halal dining and mosques in Berlin and Frankfurt.

• France: Caters to Muslim visitors with amenities in Paris.

Future of Hong Kong’s Halal Tourism

To strengthen its appeal, Hong Kong plans to enhance halal food options, improve staff training, and involve Muslim-owned businesses. Community events and professional development will further elevate the city’s reputation as a welcoming destination for Muslim travelers.