To bolster its appeal as a Muslim-friendly destination, Hong Kong should increase halal dining options and develop Islamic-focused travel itineraries, the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) recommended.
DAB lawmaker Vincent Cheng Wing-shun highlighted the burgeoning Muslim travel market, projecting their spending to hit US$300 billion by 2026. “This is a significant opportunity for Hong Kong to attract more Muslim tourists,” Cheng stated.
Islamic dietary laws prohibit pork and alcohol, and require specific slaughtering methods for meat. The Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong oversees the halal certification process, which takes about six weeks and costs HK$2,500 to HK$6,000. Currently, 144 eateries are certified, with 60 more awaiting approval.
“This number is insufficient to meet the growing demand,” Cheng noted, urging the government to subsidize certification costs to potentially double the number of halal-certified restaurants.
Mohamed Fathy Amin Hegazy, a halal restaurant operator, pointed out difficulties in sourcing high-end halal ingredients like wagyu beef in Hong Kong, posing challenges for chefs.
The proposal also includes increasing prayer facilities. Qamar Minhas of the accrediting body described the inadequate prayer space at Hong Kong International Airport, contrasting it with better-equipped facilities in Thailand, Japan, and Singapore. “We need to improve on that,” he said.
Cheng suggested the development of customized travel e-guides and mobile apps to help Muslim travelers find halal restaurants, mosques, and prayer rooms.
According to Crescent Rating, Hong Kong climbed to fourth place in the Non-Organisation of Islamic Cooperation travel destination ranking. Dewan Saiful Alam from the DAB’s ethnic minorities committee emphasized the importance of enhancing Hong Kong’s Muslim-friendly reputation through such initiatives.
