The Hong Kong tourism trade is gearing up to attract more Muslim travellers by enhancing tourism-support facilities. Since the beginning of 2024, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has adopted a diversified approach to position Hong Kong as a Muslim-friendly destination.

Currently, 53 hotels, five attractions, and MICE venues have successfully received accreditation from the halal travel promotion company, CrescentRating. Additionally, more than 140 restaurants have been halal-certified.

Earlier this month, HKTB organised a familiarisation trip for over 20 Muslim travel trade representatives from South-east Asian visitor source markets. The representatives praised the progress made in Muslim tourism in Hong Kong, noting that it has reached a new level, which will help facilitate the organisation of future tours to the city.

Ramadan, which lasts for about a month, has already begun, and the Mira Hong Kong, recently certified with five crescents by CrescentRating, has hosted its first-ever Ramadan Iftar Dinner Celebration at its Penthouse Ballroom to promote a deeper understanding of the festive culture. The event, organised in collaboration with Miramar Travel and the Consulate General of Türkiye in Hong Kong, attracted nearly 200 guests, including members of the local Muslim community, diplomats from the Middle East and Asia, local government officials from the tourism sector, and media representatives.

To accommodate Muslim guests, the Mira Hong Kong and its sister hotel Mira Moon feature Qibla direction pointers, and provide Quran and prayer rugs upon request. Portable bidet sprayers are also available to ensure comfort and hygiene in accordance with Muslim customs. The hotels offer halal dining options, including Cantonese fine dining at Michelin-recommended Cuisine Cuisine at The Mira, an Arabic-speaking guest ambassador, and a 24/7 in-room dining menu in Arabic featuring both Asian and Western favourites. Meanwhile, Mira Moon is equipped with essential Muslim-friendly amenities and offers a halal breakfast set for international travellers.

Alexander Wassermann, head of hotels and serviced apartments at Miramar Group, said: “All of our employees have received extensive training on halal food and halal travel practices implemented at our hotels. Our team looks forward to welcoming more Muslim guests from around the world, and we aim to become the preferred Chinese dining destination in Hong Kong for the local Muslim community.”

Special Ramadan buffets to accommodate the dietary needs and arrangements of Muslim travellers are also available at Kowloon Shangri-La and Dorsett Tsuen Wan Hong Kong.

Doris Lam, general manager of Momentous Asia Travel and Events, noted that while more hotels are offering halal meals, these are often available only for larger groups. Smaller groups, she explained, may need to seek restaurants outside the hotels.

She mentioned that most of the other halal restaurants in the city primarily serve Indian or Middle Eastern cuisine. While they offer halal food, she remarked that most visitors coming to Hong Kong would prefer to try Chinese cuisine. However, she pointed out that there are very few restaurants offering halal Chinese meals.

“We also hope to see more facilities for prayer at attractions and shopping malls,” Lam added.