Hong Kong was named the ‘Most Promising Muslim-Friendly Destination of the Year’ in the Halal in Travel Awards 2025 by CrescentRating, the global authority on halal travel. The city also climbed to third place among non-Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) destinations in the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2025, developed by CrescentRating in partnership with Mastercard.
The awards and rankings recognise the city’s ongoing efforts to develop its tourism sector to be more welcoming for Muslim travellers from regions like the GCC and the wider Middle East.
Climbing the global muslim travel index
The GMTI covers 153 destinations worldwide and assesses them based on factors such as the availability of halal food, Muslim-friendly facilities, and accommodation. Hong Kong’s ranking among non-OIC destinations rose from fourth in 2024 to third this year, marking its first appearance in the top three.
In addition to its overall ranking, Hong Kong also secured the top spot in CrescentRating’s new ‘Muslim-friendly Accessible Travel Destination (non-OIC)’ category and second place in the ‘Muslim Women Friendly Travel Destination (non-OIC)’ category.
Several establishments in the city also received individual awards. The Mira Hong Kong and Kowloon Shangri-La were both named ‘Muslim-friendly Hotel of the Year’. Ngong Ping 360 received the ‘Muslim-friendly Attraction of the Year’ award, and the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre was named ‘Muslim-friendly Convention and Exhibition Centre of the Year’.
A three-pronged approach to tourism
The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) attributed these achievements to its three-pronged strategy of accreditation, education, and promotion to develop the city as a Muslim-friendly destination. The HKTB has been working with credible accreditation organisations to encourage and educate local businesses on Muslim-friendly tourism.
This initiative has seen significant growth in the number of certified establishments. The number of certified eateries has increased from around 100 in early 2024 to approximately 190. These offer a range of options from high-end Chinese cuisine to local dishes. More than 60 hotels, attractions, and convention venues have also been rated as Muslim-friendly.
Dr Peter Lam, chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, commented on the city’s commitment: “HKTB has joined hands with the Hong Kong SAR Government and trade partners in the tourism industry and related sectors to drive Hong Kong’s development as a Muslim-friendly destination. We have also facilitated the fostering of closer ties between Hong Kong, the Middle East, and ASEAN countries in recent years. We are excited about the awards and extend our heartfelt congratulations to the winning establishments.”
The HKTB also actively promotes Hong Kong as a Muslim-friendly destination through targeted marketing in key source markets, a dedicated Muslim tourism page on its DiscoverHongKong.com travel portal, and by hosting media and trade representatives to experience the city’s offerings firsthand.
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