HKTB and CrescentRating Partner to Make Hong Kong a More Muslim-Friendly Destination

The halal travel market has constantly been growing in recent years due to the increasing desire of Muslim travelers to have experiences that suit their lifestyle needs and religious beliefs. By 2028, this market is expected to grow to 230 million Muslim travelers, focusing on halal food options, access to places of worship, and Muslim-friendly accommodation. This expansion reflects changes in the global tourism sector, as traveler expectations are shaped by growing awareness of inclusive tourism and rising disposable incomes in Muslim-majority regions. Halal tourism is becoming a significant force in the travel industry because destinations worldwide provide specialized services to meet this demand. 

In response to this, Hong Kong is making a concerted effort to position itself as a Muslim-friendly destination amid the growing popularity of halal travel. As part of the effort, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has teamed up with CrescentRating to certify hotels and add new prayer areas to increase Hong Kong’s Muslim-friendliness and recognize the growing influence of Muslim tourists.

Today, the majority of the city's major hotels have been Crescent Rated, guaranteeing guests access to halal cuisine and prayer spaces. Backed by a growing list of supportive partners and stakeholders in Hong Kong onboard with this initiative, the city is taking the lead in creating a welcoming environment for Muslim travelers, ensuring they feel at home away from home.

In addition to the hotels, the city's shopping centers, attractions, and MICE venues are also undergoing CrescentRating’s certification processes to ensure they are compatible with Muslim travelers. These upgrades, which range from halal food options to Muslim-friendly environments and areas set aside for prayer, reflect Hong Kong's goal of providing a comprehensive, Muslim-friendly experience. The CrescentRating certifications play a vital role in guiding Muslim travelers toward safe, accommodating, and enjoyable experiences, making Hong Kong more inclusive and accessible. 

CrescentRating: How the Rating Works

CrescentRating evaluates hotels from 1 to 7 based on their amenities and services for Muslim guests, including Qibla directions in rooms, Halal breakfast corners, Halal-certified menus, and water-friendly toilets. A higher rating means a more elevated Muslim-friendly experience.

Hong Kong’s Crescent Rated hotels are rated between 3 to 5 on this same scale: 

Hotels Rating

CrescentRating evaluates hotels from 1 to 7 based on their amenities and services for Muslim guests: 

• 3-Crescent Rating:

1. Qibla directions marked in rooms on at least one floor
2. Nearby mosques listed
3. Halal breakfast corner available

• 4-Crescent Rating:

1. Qibla directions are marked in rooms on at least on one floor.
2. List of nearby mosques available
3. Halal-certified breakfast menu offered
4. Room service includes a halal menu
5. Water-friendly toilets in rooms on at least one floor

• 5-Crescent Rating:

1. Qibla directions are marked in rooms on at least on one floor.
2. List of nearby mosques available
3. Prayer rugs available upon request
4. Halal-certified breakfast menu offered
5. Room service includes a halal menu
6. Water-friendly toilets in rooms on at least one floor

This comprehensive rating system ensures Muslim travelers can access halal food and prayer facilities and enjoy comfort and ease throughout their stay in Hong Kong.

Attraction, Shopping Malls, and MICE Venue Rating

Attractions, shopping centers, and MICE venues are rated Bronze, Silver, and Gold as part of Hong Kong's efforts to increase its appeal to Muslim tourists. With higher-rated establishments offering more extensive amenities for Muslim visitors, this approach guarantees that a range of facilities aligns with Muslim tourists' expectations.

• Bronze Rating: Bronze-rated establishments provide basic prayer amenities like prayer spaces and prayer mats.
• Silver Rating: Businesses with a silver rating improve the experience by providing distinct areas for men and women to pray, guaranteeing comfort and seclusion. These establishments also offer halal food options so Muslim travelers can have meals that meet their dietary needs without worrying about them.
• Gold Rating: These locations offer separate areas for men and women to pray and extra materials, including Qurans, prayer garments, and tasbih (prayer beads). In addition to providing halal-certified food alternatives, gold-rated establishments also provide water-friendly restrooms and ablution facilities, guaranteeing that all travelers' religious demands are met.

These rankings demonstrate the city's dedication to fostering an inclusive atmosphere where Muslim tourists can engage in events and leisure activities without feeling excluded. 

A Muslim-Friendly Hong Kong: What Visitors Can Expect

Image credit: lifeforstock on Freepik

With enhanced halal dining, certified hotels, attractions, and shopping centers, and increased access to prayer spaces, visitors can expect a seamless and welcoming experience in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Tourism Board’s partnership with CrescentRating ensures that businesses across the hospitality sectors are better equipped to meet the expectations of Muslim travelers and can therefore look forward to new and exciting updates.

This partnership reflects the city’s commitment to becoming a leading global Muslim travel market destination. 

Stay tuned for more exciting updates as we enhance our offerings in Hong Kong for Muslim travelers!