Hong Kong Rises as Global Muslim Travel Powerhouse with Rapid Growth in Halal Tourism and Hospitality Excellence

Hong Kong is rapidly emerging as a world-class destination for Muslim travelers, driven by its swift transformation in halal hospitality, expanded certification programs, and growing awareness of Muslim visitor needs. With dozens of hotels, restaurants, and attractions now offering halal-certified services, prayer facilities, and culturally sensitive experiences, the city is positioning itself as a global leader in this booming sector. Backed by strong partnerships with organizations like CrescentRating and proactive efforts from the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the city’s commitment to providing high-quality, Muslim-friendly travel experiences is attracting a surge of global visitors seeking both luxury and religious accommodation.

Hong Kong Strengthens Position as a Top Muslim-Friendly Destination Amid Growing Global Competition

Hong Kong has emerged as one of the leading non-Islamic destinations for Muslim travelers worldwide, recently securing the third spot on a prestigious global ranking. Despite this significant achievement, experts suggest that further improvements could help the city unlock its full potential in the rapidly expanding Muslim travel market.

The recognition comes from CrescentRating, a Singapore-based research and consultancy firm specializing in the Muslim travel sector. Commissioned by the Hong Kong Tourism Board in 2024, CrescentRating conducted an extensive evaluation of the city’s tourism ecosystem, assessing its readiness and appeal for Muslim visitors.

According to the latest assessment, Hong Kong has made considerable strides over the past year to accommodate the unique needs of Muslim tourists. Since June 2024, over sixty local businesses have earned Muslim-friendly certification from CrescentRating, a sign of the city’s proactive efforts to diversify its visitor base and tap into new growth markets.

The consultancy has so far rated sixty-one hotels across Hong Kong based on their ability to cater to Muslim travelers. The rating system ranges from one to seven, with higher scores reflecting stronger alignment with Muslim travelers’ needs. Out of these, nine hotels have achieved a score of five — the highest rating currently given to establishments in Hong Kong. Notable properties include Island Shangri-La, Dorsett Tsuen Wan, and Kerry Hotel, each recognized for their commitment to offering halal-friendly services, prayer facilities, and other essential amenities.

CrescentRating reserves its highest scores of six and seven for accommodations that go above and beyond, specifically targeting halal-conscious travelers with fully compliant halal food services, gender-segregated prayer areas, and comprehensive facilities that address a wide range of religious needs.

In the broader global ranking of non-Islamic destinations, Hong Kong followed closely behind Singapore, which claimed the top position, and the United Kingdom, which secured second place. Other leading destinations include Taiwan in fourth place and Thailand in fifth. Among Islamic destinations, Malaysia maintained its dominance, followed by Turkey, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia.

Despite the progress, industry observers have identified several areas where Hong Kong could enhance its Muslim-friendly offerings. One common challenge involves the design of prayer facilities at tourist sites and accommodations. In many cases, venues offer shared ablution areas for both men and women, overlooking the cultural and religious importance of providing separate facilities. Such oversights can make it difficult for some Muslim visitors to fully observe their prayer rituals in comfort.

In addition, certain prayer rooms incorporate reflective glass surfaces, which may inadvertently conflict with Islamic teachings that discourage facing one’s own reflection during prayer. Addressing such details could greatly improve the spiritual experience for visiting Muslims.

Food services present another area for growth. While a number of restaurants have made efforts to provide halal-certified options, gaps in understanding halal protocols still exist. Some food establishments mistakenly believe that offering a prayer over the food renders it halal, while others incorrectly assume that Urdu inscriptions equate to Arabic certification. These misconceptions highlight the need for better staff training, education, and certification processes to ensure compliance with proper halal standards.

The Muslim travel market represents one of the fastest-growing segments in global tourism. According to industry forecasts, the number of Muslim travelers is expected to surpass two hundred thirty million by 2028, driven by a younger, affluent, and increasingly mobile demographic. As a major international hub with excellent connectivity, Hong Kong is well-positioned to capture a larger share of this lucrative market if it continues to refine its offerings.

Authorities in Hong Kong recognize the long-term potential of the Muslim travel segment. Ongoing collaborations between the Hong Kong Tourism Board, private sector stakeholders, and specialized organizations such as CrescentRating aim to further develop infrastructure, enhance staff training, and promote cultural sensitivity.

Hong Kong is rapidly transforming into a global Muslim-friendly destination by expanding halal-certified services, luxury accommodations, and culturally sensitive experiences that attract Muslim travelers worldwide.

By addressing the remaining gaps and fine-tuning its approach, Hong Kong stands poised to not only solidify but elevate its position as one of the world’s most welcoming destinations for Muslim travelers. In doing so, the city can unlock new tourism opportunities, foster greater cultural exchange, and position itself as a truly inclusive global destination.