The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), which has commissioned internationally recognised Halal-travel certification authority CrescentRating (CR) to assess and benchmark local hotels, attractions and meeting venues, is making “good achievement” in a short span of time.
CR has been providing research and training services since May last year.
Speaking to TTG Asia on this initiative, Fazal Bahardeen, founder and CEO, of CR, shared that the city has chalked up a number of firsts.
As of January 2025, 50 hotels have successfully applied for and obtained certification from CR compared to just a handful of accredited Muslim-friendly properties previously.
It is encouraging to see the Hong Kong hotel industry coming onboard, Fazal told TTG Asia, adding that Grand Hyatt Hong Kong and Marriott Hong Kong Ocean Park, among others, achieved a five rating – the maximum is seven; and those with a three rating offer at least a Halal breakfast option.
For the first time, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre achieved a CR gold rating for setting up a prayer room and for offering Halal catering.
Fazal commented: “Now, attractions and shopping malls also want to be rated.”
He added that HKTB, in collaboration with another leading certification authority – the Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong (Board of Trustees) – for the first time awarded fine-dining Chinese restaurant Chinesology Halal certification.
Becky Ip, HKTB deputy executive director, said: “The population of countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council and South-east Asia, such as Indonesia and Malaysia, consist of a significant portion of Muslims.
“In recent years, Hong Kong has been dedicated to developing visitor sources in the Middle Eastern and (South-east Asian) markets to capitalise on the vast potential and spending ability of the Muslim consumer segments.
“As such, HKTB deploys a diverse strategy to make our city a Muslim-friendly tourism destination. At the same time, we have also stepped up promotions in Muslim source markets.”
Fazal shared that the focus for 2025 will be to build capacity of CR-rated establishments and to promote Hong Kong as a Muslim-friendly destination.
