13th June 2025 – (Hong Kong) As the Muslim travel market continues its rapid growth, Hong Kong has climbed to third place in the 2025 Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI), marking a significant improvement from its fourth-place ranking last year. The city was also honoured with the “Most Promising Muslim-Friendly Destination of the Year” award, reflecting its growing appeal to Muslim travelers.
The GMTI 2025, a collaborative effort between CrescentRating and Mastercard, evaluates 153 global destinations based on criteria such as Halal food availability, prayer facilities, accommodation standards, and overall travel accessibility for Muslim visitors. Hong Kong recorded the biggest improvement among non-Islamic Cooperation (OIC) destinations, with its GMTI score increasing by 10 points.
Key highlights of Hong Kong’s achievements include its top ranking in the new “Muslim-Friendly Accessible Travel Destination (non-OIC)” category and second place in the “Muslim Women-Friendly Travel Destination (non-OIC)” category. Local establishments also garnered accolades, with The Mira Hong Kong and Kowloon Shangri-La named “Muslim-Friendly Hotels of the Year.” Additionally, Ngong Ping 360 was awarded “Muslim-Friendly Attraction of the Year,” while the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre earned “Muslim-Friendly Convention and Exhibition Centre of the Year.”
The city has invested significantly in infrastructure to enhance its appeal to Muslim travelers. Currently, 61 hotels are accredited by CrescentRating, and 153 restaurants have received Halal certification from the Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong.
Malaysia retained its position as the top OIC destination, followed by Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, all tied for second place. Among non-OIC destinations, Singapore maintained its lead, with Taiwan, Thailand, and the Philippines also recognised for their efforts to cater to the Muslim travel market.
Fazal Bahardeen, CEO of CrescentRating, emphasised the significance of the GMTI as a tool to shape global tourism policies, stating, “This report is a catalyst for change, fostering inclusivity and cultural understanding in the travel ecosystem.” Safdar Khan, division president of Mastercard Southeast Asia, echoed these sentiments, noting that tourism is a critical driver of economic growth and cultural connectivity in the region.
With the Muslim travel market projected to reach 245 million international arrivals and USD $230 billion in spending by 2030, Hong Kong’s rising prominence underscores its commitment to capturing a share of this vibrant and economically significant sector.
