In a significant development for Muslim-friendly tourism, Hong Kong has launched a new accreditation system aimed at hotels and tourist attractions. This initiative, introduced by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, includes halal certification for establishments, marking a notable step towards catering to Muslim travelers [233f840e]. Among the first to receive this certification is Chinesology, a fine-dining Chinese restaurant that now offers 20 halal dishes, including a beef version of the traditional char siu. The certification process for Chinesology took six months and adheres to halal dietary guidelines regarding food preparation and slaughter methods [233f840e].
The accreditation system has already rated 35 hotels, with The Upper House, The Fullerton Ocean Park, and Mandarin Oriental achieving a score of three. The Four Seasons and The Mira scored four, while the Ocean Park Marriott and Kowloon Shangri-La received the highest rating of five. Additionally, attractions like AsiaWorld-Expo and sky100 were awarded silver, while Ocean Park and Ngong Ping 360 received gold certifications [233f840e].
This initiative aligns with previous efforts to enhance Hong Kong's appeal to Muslim tourists, as highlighted by the Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong, which aims to certify over 500 halal restaurants by the end of 2025. Currently, there are only 142 certified establishments in the city, indicating a significant opportunity for growth in halal offerings [5f2ff1a7].
Furthermore, Consul General Muzambli Markam has emphasized the potential for Islamic finance in Hong Kong, projecting substantial growth in this sector. He noted that adapting to Middle Eastern consumer behaviors, such as extending shopping hours and enhancing halal options, could attract more Muslim visitors [2fdf5cc5].
As the MENA region continues to see strong profits in Islamic banking, Hong Kong's initiatives could position it as a competitive destination for Muslim travelers, particularly as the city seeks to diversify its tourism offerings and enhance its economic landscape [e21d4aae][bf14fc72].