After sweeping nine accolades at the 2025 Halal in Travel Awards, Hong Kong is reinforcing its position as one of Asia’s most progressive Muslim-friendly destinations — not only by expanding certified facilities, but also by embracing storytelling and cultural collaborations to connect with travellers.
In 2025, the city welcomed more than 49.9 million visitors, marking a 12 per cent year-on-year increase. Malaysia remains a key Southeast Asian source market, with arrivals rising six per cent — a sign of growing confidence and connectivity between the two destinations.
Building on its award wins, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is entering what it calls a new phase of Muslim-friendly travel development in 2026, strengthening infrastructure while amplifying outreach through creative, community-driven initiatives.
Expanding a Recognised Muslim-Friendly Ecosystem
Hong Kong’s recognition at the Halal in Travel Awards 2025 included titles such as Most Promising Muslim-friendly Destination of the Year and top rankings among non-OIC destinations. Among the city’s standout award recipients were:
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Ngong Ping 360 Limited – Muslim-friendly Attraction of the Year
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Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong – Muslim-friendly Hotel of the Year
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The Mira Hong Kong – Muslim-friendly Hotel of the Year
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Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre – Muslim-friendly Convention & Exhibition Centre of the Year
Today, the city features 195 halal-certified, Muslim-owned and Muslim-friendly restaurants — ranging from local favourites and international cuisine to Michelin-recognised establishments.
Additionally, 59 hotels are now Crescent Rated, offering amenities such as prayer mats, Qibla direction indicators and halal meal options upon request. Selected properties also provide dedicated prayer spaces, reflecting a more structured and visible ecosystem for Muslim travellers.
Ms Liew Chian Jia, Regional Director of Southeast Asia at HKTB, said Muslim-friendly travel is not a seasonal effort but a long-term commitment to inclusivity.
“Today’s Muslim travellers are digitally savvy and value both experience and reassurance. Our role is to bridge that gap — not only by expanding Muslim-friendly options, but also by communicating them in creative and culturally relevant ways,” she said. “We aim to make information visible and meaningful so that when Muslim travellers consider Hong Kong, they already know they will feel welcomed and supported.”
A Raya First: “Suasana Raya” in Hong Kong
In conjunction with the festive season, HKTB collaborated with award-winning Malaysian artistes Ernie Zakri and Syamel Aqmal on “Suasana Raya” — the couple’s first-ever Raya music video filmed abroad.
The project integrates Hong Kong’s cityscape into a heartfelt family narrative, showcasing how Muslim-friendly facilities fit seamlessly into everyday travel moments.
Filming took place across several iconic locations, including:
Ngong Ping 360
The scenic cable car ride across Lantau Island offers panoramic views and connects visitors to Ngong Ping Village, Tian Tan Buddha and Po Lin Monastery — blending natural landscapes with cultural heritage.
Ocean Park Hong Kong
A long-standing family attraction on Hong Kong Island, Ocean Park combines marine exhibits, wildlife encounters and thrill rides, offering a full-day experience for families.
Avenue of Stars
Overlooking Victoria Harbour, the promenade celebrates Hong Kong’s cinematic heritage with plaques and statues honouring film legends.
Temple Street
Known for its neon-lit night market atmosphere, Temple Street captures the city’s old-meets-new character through street food, market stalls and vibrant neighbourhood culture.
The music video also highlights access to prayer facilities such as the Kowloon Mosque and Islamic Centre, the city’s largest mosque located in Tsim Sha Tsui, providing Muslim travellers with a familiar spiritual space within a bustling commercial district.
Ernie Zakri described the experience as both meaningful and seamless.
“Finding halal food was easy, and being able to settle down for prayers comfortably made the experience feel grounding and inclusive, even though we were away from home,” she said.
Syamel Aqmal added that beyond Hong Kong’s skyline and fast-paced image, the city revealed a welcoming side for Muslim families.
“As a father and husband, comfort and convenience are always priorities — especially regarding food and prayer facilities. We were genuinely impressed by how accessible halal food has become there, from dim sum to local favourites,” he said.
Jelajah Hong Kong: From Awareness to Assurance
The developments fall under HKTB’s broader “Jelajah Hong Kong” campaign, which aims to move beyond destination awareness to practical reassurance — showing Muslim travellers clearly where to dine, stay and explore.
Among the city’s well-known halal dining establishments is the Islamic Centre Canteen, located within the Masjid Ammar and Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Centre. Popular for halal-certified dim sum and Cantonese classics, it remains a favourite among both Muslim visitors and locals.
HKTB has also enhanced its dedicated online Muslim Travel Guide, featuring updated listings of halal-certified restaurants, Crescent Rated hotels, prayer facilities and attractions, designed to simplify trip planning for families, couples and young travellers.
As Southeast Asian travel demand continues to grow, Hong Kong appears determined to ensure that recognition translates into real-world confidence — pairing certified infrastructure with culturally resonant storytelling to make Muslim-friendly travel not just available, but visible and relatable.
