Hong Kong Aims to Attract More Muslim Travelers with Halal-Certified Dining and Stay Options
Hong Kong, known for its vibrant culinary scene, is making strides to become more welcoming to Muslim tourists by expanding its Halal-certified offerings. Recently, Chinesology, an upscale Chinese restaurant, achieved the distinction of being the city’s first high-end establishment to receive Halal certification. This move signals Hong Kong’s commitment to attracting a wider range of international visitors.
"Chinesology is now a Halal-friendly certified restaurant, as assessed by the Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong (BOT)."
The certification, awarded by the Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong (BOT), signifies a rigorous process involving menu redesign, dedicated cutlery and utensils, and sourcing halal ingredients. At Chinesology, Muslim diners can enjoy a tailored menu featuring 20 dishes, including appetizers, main courses, sides, and desserts. Customized set menus are also available, with a six-course lunch menu priced at HK$880 per person and an eight-course dinner menu costing HK$1,388. Reservations with a minimum three-day notice are required to enjoy these unique culinary experiences.
Chinesology’s achievement comes as the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) actively works to increase the city’s Muslim-friendly amenities again. The board collaborates with CrescentRating, a Singapore-based research firm specializing in Halal travel, to rate hotels and attractions based on international benchmarks.
"With the influx of incoming travellers, especially from Muslim countries, the HKTB has been making more efforts to make the city more Muslim-friendly."
Using a ranking system from Level 1 to 7, hotels are assessed on criteria including prayer rooms, halal food options, and toilet facilities that adhere to Islamic guidelines. Notably, the Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong and The Mira Hong Kong achieved Level 4, meaning they offer prayer rugs upon request, Halal room service menus, and water-friendly toilets in select rooms. Meanwhile, Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel and Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong earned Level 5, signifying they possess all of the above plus a Halal-certified restaurant or kitchen.
Attractions and venues are similarly categorized into Bronze, Silver, or Gold by CrescentRating based on prayer facilities, halal food availability, and amenities like ablution facilities and water-friendly toilets.
"CrescentRating categories attractions and venues for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) into Bronze, Silver, or Gold."
Currently, four venues hold accreditation, with AsiaWorld-Expo and sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck achieving Silver status and Ocean Park and Ngong Ping 360 earning Gold recognition.
This concerted effort to provide more Halal-certified options aims to position Hong Kong as a top destination for Muslim travelers globally. CNBC has been tracking this trend of Halal tourism, which is steadily gaining momentum as more destinations recognize the importance of catering to this growing market segment.
Interested travelers can find a complete list of certified hotels, attractions, and restaurants on the HKTB’s dedicated webpage for Muslim travellers.
For those looking to explore Hong Kong’s vibrant culinary scene, Chinesology’s achievement unlocks a new world of high-end Halal dining experiences, showcasing the city’s commitment to inclusivity and diversification.
"Location: Chinesology, Shop 3101, Podium Level 3, ifc mall, Central"
## Hong Kong Spices up halal Hospitality: An Interview with [Guest Name], halal Tourism Expert
**World-Today-News:** Hong Kong, famed for its bustling streets and diverse gastronomic landscape, is making a notable push to attract Muslim tourists. The recent Halal certification of chinesology, an upscale Chinese restaurant, marks a major milestone in this endeavor. To understand the implications of this move and the broader outlook for Halal tourism in Hong Kong, we spoke with [guest Name], a leading expert in Halal tourism.
**World-Today-News:** [Guest Name], thank you for joining us. Hong Kong’s halal-certified offerings have traditionally been limited. How significant is Chinesology’s certification in evolving this landscape?
**[Guest Name]:** This is a pivotal moment for Hong Kong’s tourism industry. Chinesology, with its prestigious standing and focus on authentic Cantonese cuisine, changes the perception that Halal options in Hong Kong are confined to budget-amiable eateries.
this move demonstrates a commitment to catering to the needs and preferences of muslim travelers seeking quality dining experiences.
**World-Today-News:** What are the potential ripple effects of this certification?
**[Guest Name]:** Chinesology’s certification is likely to inspire other upscale restaurants to follow suit. This could lead to a surge in Halal-certified fine-dining establishments, offering Muslim travelers a wider range of culinary choices.
Furthermore,it will encourage the growth of Halal-friendly accommodations and tour packages,creating a more holistic and welcoming surroundings for Muslim visitors.
**World-Today-News:** Do you foresee challenges in establishing hong Kong as a top Halal tourism destination?
**[Guest Name]:** While Hong Kong is making strides, challenges remain.There’s a need to further educate the hospitality industry on Halal standards and practices.
Partnerships with Halal certification bodies and Muslim tourism organizations can play a crucial role in ensuring authenticity and building trust among Muslim travelers.
**World-Today-News:** What strategies can Hong Kong implement to attract more Muslim tourists?
**[guest Name]:**
* **Strategic Marketing:**
Targeted marketing campaigns highlighting Halal-friendly offerings, alongside Hong Kong’s unique cultural attractions, are essential.
* **Visible Signage:**
Clear Halal signage in restaurants and hotels will make it easier for Muslim travelers to identify suitable options.
* **Infrastructure development:**
Dedicated prayer rooms in public spaces and mosques easily accessible to tourists would enhance the overall experience.
* **Cultural Sensitivity Training:**
Training hospitality staff in understanding Muslim customs and etiquette will foster a more welcoming environment.
**World-Today-News:** Thank you, [Guest Name], for providing such valuable insights into the burgeoning Halal tourism scene in Hong Kong. We anticipate exciting developments in this promising sector.
