Hong Kong’s tourism industry is setting its sights on the burgeoning Muslim-friendly travel market, with officials urging the catering, hotel, and tourism sectors to seize opportunities tied to Islamic festivals like Eid al-Fitr, the celebration marking the end of Ramadan. The call to action came from Commissioner for Tourism Angelina Cheung Fung Wing-ping during a landmark event this week that underscored the city’s ambitions to become a welcoming hub for Muslim visitors.
Speaking at the first-ever Ramadan Iftar dinner hosted by The Mira Hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui on Tuesday, Cheung addressed a crowd of nearly 200 guests, including local Muslims, diplomats, government officials, and tourism industry leaders. The event, a traditional breaking of the fast observed during the holy month of Ramadan, highlighted Hong Kong’s growing efforts to cater to the cultural and religious needs of Muslim travelers from the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
“The key to developing Muslim-friendly tourism lies in understanding their needs—facilities, infrastructure, and dietary preferences,” Cheung said, emphasizing a holistic approach to attracting this lucrative demographic. With Eid al-Fitr—a global celebration that draws millions of Muslim travelers each year—on the horizon, she urged businesses to adapt and innovate.
Central to this strategy is the expansion of halal-certified dining options, a cornerstone of Muslim-friendly tourism. Cheung noted that the number of halal-certified restaurants in Hong Kong has surged from 100 last year to nearly 150, with more expected to join the trend. “As more restaurants recognize the opportunities and economic benefits of catering to Muslim tourists, we are seeing increased interest in halal certification,” she said.
The push isn’t limited to fast food or casual eateries. Cheung revealed that fine dining establishments, particularly those offering Chinese cuisine, are being encouraged to pursue halal certification—a move aimed at blending Hong Kong’s culinary prestige with the demands of high-spending Muslim visitors. “Hong Kong is a culinary capital, and visitors want to experience local flavors,” she said. “By offering halal-certified high-quality Chinese cuisine, we can attract those seeking premium experiences.”
The initiative reflects a broader effort to diversify halal-friendly dining options across all budgets, ensuring inclusivity for a wide range of travelers. But the strategy extends beyond the plate. Cheung stressed the importance of training frontline staff—from hotel concierges to restaurant servers—to better understand Muslim cultural and religious practices, such as prayer times and modesty preferences.
Infrastructure enhancements are also in the works. Arabic-language signage and information are being rolled out at Hong Kong’s international airport and in taxis, signaling a commitment to making navigation easier for Arabic-speaking visitors. These efforts align with the city’s goal of tapping into the growing wealth of the Middle East and the dynamic markets of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The timing couldn’t be more critical. The global Muslim travel market has been on a steep upward trajectory, driven by rising disposable incomes and a desire for culturally sensitive experiences. Hong Kong, long a gateway between East and West, sees an opportunity to cement its status as a top destination by blending its cosmopolitan flair with tailored hospitality.
For local businesses, the economic incentives are clear. Muslim-friendly tourism promises not just increased foot traffic but also a chance to tap into a loyal and discerning customer base. As Cheung put it, “This is about more than meeting demand—it’s about creating a welcoming environment that reflects Hong Kong’s diversity and openness.”
With Ramadan underway and Eid al-Fitr approaching, the city’s tourism leaders are betting that these efforts will pay off, positioning Hong Kong as a standout player in the competitive world of Muslim-friendly travel. For now, the aroma of halal-certified dim sum may just be the start of a much bigger story.
