Hong Kong was named the ‘Most Promising Muslim-Pleasant Vacation spot of the Yr’ within the Halal in Journey Awards 2025 by CrescentRating, the worldwide authority on halal journey. The town additionally climbed to 3rd place amongst non-Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) locations within the International Muslim Journey Index (GMTI) 2025, developed by CrescentRating in partnership with Mastercard.
The awards and rankings recognise the town’s ongoing efforts to develop its tourism sector to be extra welcoming for Muslim travellers from areas just like the GCC and the broader Center East.
Climbing the worldwide muslim journey index
The GMTI covers 153 locations worldwide and assesses them primarily based on elements corresponding to the provision of halal meals, Muslim-friendly amenities, and lodging. Hong Kong’s rating amongst non-OIC locations rose from fourth in 2024 to 3rd this yr, marking its first look within the high three.
Along with its general rating, Hong Kong additionally secured the highest spot in CrescentRating’s new ‘Muslim-friendly Accessible Journey Vacation spot (non-OIC)’ class and second place within the ‘Muslim Girls Pleasant Journey Vacation spot (non-OIC)’ class.
A number of institutions within the metropolis additionally acquired particular person awards. The Mira Hong Kong and Kowloon Shangri-La had been each named ‘Muslim-friendly Lodge of the Yr’. Ngong Ping 360 acquired the ‘Muslim-friendly Attraction of the Yr’ award, and the Hong Kong Conference and Exhibition Centre was named ‘Muslim-friendly Conference and Exhibition Centre of the Yr’.
A 3-pronged method to tourism
The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) attributed these achievements to its three-pronged technique of accreditation, schooling, and promotion to develop the town as a Muslim-friendly vacation spot. The HKTB has been working with credible accreditation organisations to encourage and educate native companies on Muslim-friendly tourism.
This initiative has seen vital development within the variety of licensed institutions. The variety of licensed eateries has elevated from round 100 in early 2024 to roughly 190. These provide a variety of choices from high-end Chinese language delicacies to native dishes. Greater than 60 lodges, sights, and conference venues have additionally been rated as Muslim-friendly.
Dr Peter Lam, chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, commented on the town’s dedication: “HKTB has joined palms with the Hong Kong SAR Authorities and commerce companions within the tourism business and associated sectors to drive Hong Kong’s growth as a Muslim-friendly vacation spot. We now have additionally facilitated the fostering of nearer ties between Hong Kong, the Center East, and ASEAN nations in recent times. We’re excited concerning the awards and lengthen our heartfelt congratulations to the profitable institutions.”
The HKTB additionally actively promotes Hong Kong as a Muslim-friendly vacation spot by focused advertising and marketing in key supply markets, a devoted Muslim tourism web page on its DiscoverHongKong.com journey portal, and by internet hosting media and commerce representatives to expertise the town’s choices firsthand.
