Hong Kong is fast emerging as one of Asia's most promising Muslim-friendly travel destinations. Over the past 18 months, the city has embarked on a concerted push to embrace halal tourism, catalyzed by government support, hospitality industry leadership, and community engagement. 

A key session at the Halal in Travel Global Summit 2025 spotlighted this transformation and provided rare insight into how inclusivity is reshaping the future of Hong Kong’s travel industry.

A commitment to halal inclusivity

Moderated by Rauda Zaini (Halal Trip), the session kicked off with an overview of Hong Kong’s progress. The panel included three prominent figures: Mark Bannon, Director of Operations at Kowloon Shangri-La; Alexander Wassermann, Head of Hotels at The Mira Hotel and executive member of the Hong Kong Hotel Association; and Johnny So, Senior Head of Operations at Ocean Park Corporation.

All three represent institutions that have received prestigious CrescentRating accreditations: Kowloon Shangri-La and The Mira both hold 5-Crescent Ratings, while Ocean Park has been awarded a gold Crescent Rating, the highest for attractions.

How does change start?

Hong Kong’s push for halal-certified tourism experiences was prompted by a realization: the Middle East market represents a key growth area. As Mark Bannon noted, collaboration with the Hong Kong Tourism Board, local Islamic bodies, and certification partners led to robust implementation of Muslim-friendly services.

Kowloon Shangri-La now features Qibla directional signs, Qurans, prayer mats, and bidets in guest rooms, along with a dedicated 24-hour prayer room. Their on-site restaurant, Cafe Kool, includes a halal-certified kitchen, helping Muslim guests feel at ease.

At The Mira, Alexander Wassermann explained that structured guidance and partnerships with halal consultants enabled smooth implementation. “We took a step-by-step approach,” he said, emphasizing that staff training and food preparation protocols were critical.

Ocean Park, already known for family-friendly fun, took things further. They now offer eight halal-certified food outlets and even provide "hooped jackets" so guests wearing religious attire can safely enjoy roller coasters- an inclusive detail that reflects real understanding.

A key milestone for both The Mira and Kowloon Shangri-La was the hosting of Ramadan iftar buffets to help the community. These weren’t just business opportunities but meaningful engagements. 

“It was very well-received from the local community […] and it was so nice to the extent, like some guests even bought me treats to share just as a thank you,” Bannon recounted.

What are the challenges?

None of these changes came easy. Panelists were candid about the operational hurdles involved. Retraining staff, redesigning kitchen workflows, and building religious literacy across service teams were among the biggest challenges.

Wassermann emphasized the need for comprehensive training. “It's not just about installing a bidet or sourcing halal chicken, it’s about knowing what halal means,” he said.

Similarly, Bannon shared that receiving a 5-crescent rating helped their team refine operations. The certification brought clarity and credibility, enhancing both staff morale and guest satisfaction.

Crescent Rating: A catalyst for excellence

The panelists all agreed that achieving a CrescentRating was not only an honor but a business advantage. The rating helped build trust with Muslim travelers and opened up new marketing opportunities, particularly with travel agents targeting the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

“Travelers know what to expect when they see the crescent rating,” noted Wassermann. It became a trusted symbol of quality and inclusivity.

Shaping the future

As Hong Kong continues to evolve, the panelists discussed the next phase of growth:

• Ongoing staff education will remain central to keeping standards high.
   
• Product innovation, such as halal dim sum and Muslim-friendly rice dumplings, is already underway.
   
• Hotels and attractions are also working to improve cultural sensitivity, avoiding imagery or themes that might be inappropriate or insensitive.

“Being inclusive is not just about what you do; it’s about how you think,” said Ocean Park’s Johnny So.

A Blueprint for Muslim-Friendly Hospitality

This session wasn’t just a celebration of achievements; it was a blueprint. The key ingredients?

• Care: As Johnny So put it, true hospitality begins with empathy.
   
• Responsibility: For Wassermann, it’s about serving with respect and consistency.
   
• Service from the Heart: Bannon emphasized that meaningful service is rooted in sincerity and understanding.

A model for inclusive travel in Asia

Hong Kong’s emergence as a halal travel hub is a testament to what’s possible when government bodies, businesses, and communities work together. It shows that becoming a Muslim-friendly destination isn’t a tick-box exercise, but a long-term, values-driven journey.

For Muslim travelers looking for destinations that respect their faith and celebrate diversity, Hong Kong is ready. And for tourism leaders watching closely, Hong Kong may just be the case study that inspires the next wave of halal travel innovation across Asia.

Watch the full panel on YouTube here.

To see more of the Halal In Travel Global Summit 2025 sessions, please visit this page.