This Is Hong Kong's Effort To Improve Muslim Tourism Experience In Hong Kong

JAKARTA - Hong Kong is trying to invite Muslim tourists to explore Hong Kong by launching its newest campaign, the Hong Kong Explore in Southeast Asia. The campaign features a series of experiences that meet the needs, habits, and practices of Muslim tourists, including halal certified restaurants, Muslim-friendly accommodation, and travel plans that have been curated for solo travel and family.

Through Hong Kong exploration, tourists can enjoy Hong Kong's dynamic cultural landscape and culinary calmly as their worship needs and food options are met. This continued commitment to inclusiveness has made Hong Kong a place at the Global Muslim Travel Index 2024 Rankings, where Hong Kong is in second place for safe tourist destinations for Muslim women and fourth place among 20 non-OKI destinations (Organization of Islamic Cooperation).

Tourism Board (HKTB) Strengthens Muslim Friendly Tourism

As part of this initiative, HKTB, in collaboration with the Crescent Rating, an internationally recognized Muslim tourism marketing company, and the Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong (BOT), the authorized local halal restaurant certification body, have worked on a series of initiatives to create a friendly environment for Muslim tourists. Currently, 37 hotels and 3 tourist attractions have been awarded the rank of Muslim Friendly Crescent rating. The number of halal restaurants certified by BOT has increased to 132.

Hong Kong welcomes tourists from various backgrounds, said Liew Chian Jia, Director of Southeast Asia, HKTB. "Through the Hong Kong Cruise' campaign in Southeast Asia" and Muslim Friendly Accreditation Program, we are committed to creating an environment where Muslim tourists can enjoy Hong Kong through special-designed dining, accommodation and travel experiences. We will continue to strive to improve Hong Kong's position as a Muslim-friendly destination, offering rich cultural experiences and unforgettable memories for everyone."

Explore Hong Kong With Muslim Friendly Travel Plans

The Hong Kong Explore Campaign displays plans for Muslim-friendly travel designed to highlight the best things Hong Kong can offer Muslim tourists. The destinations visited include mosques and historical sites as well as other important cultures, which are juxtaposed with the lively streets and busy Hong Kong shopping districts, as well as various halal certified restaurants.

Kowloon Mosque

Located at the Nathan and Haiphong Road intersection at Tsim Sha Tsui, the Kowloon Mosque is Hong Kong's largest mosque, which can accommodate up to 3,500 worshipers. The iconic building, originally founded by the garnisun or Muslim armed forces in the area, is led by the Grand Imam of Mufti Muhammad Arshad. Its striking architecture has four towers as high as 11-meter and white marble fas'ads with detailed windows. The mosque serves as an important center of culture, hosts community events and provides space for worship and learning.

Tourism Board (HKTB)

Ammar Mosque And Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Center

Located at 40 Oi Kwan Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, this mosque is a site that has very important cultural and historical value. Founded in 1981, this mosque was designed and funded by Chinese Muslim architect Osman Ramju Sadick. The mosque has a capacity of more than 1,500 people. The mosque is owned by the Incorporated Trustes of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong, which relies its management to the Islamic Union of Hong Kong, which is responsible for overseeing mosques and Islamic Centers as well as serving the needs of the Muslim community.

Halal Certified Restaurant

HKTB is actively encouraging more restaurants in Hong Kong to obtain halal certification from the Incorporate Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong. Tourists can enjoy Hong Kong's authentic taste and its surroundings in the Halal certified restaurant listed below.

Dreams: Enjoy the delicious and authentic taste of Indian dishes with a contemporary touch at Hong Kong's first Indian restaurant to win the Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand award in 2009.

Imperial Patisserie: Famous for its commitment to halal standards, guarantees that their products do not contain pork, pork, or related ingredients. The store has undergone a rigorous certification process to meet these standards, making it a reliable choice for halal cakes in Hong Kong.

Canteen Islamic Center: The popular halal certified Chinese dish located inside the Ammar Mosque and Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Center in Hong Kong. Known for its dim sum, this restaurant offers a variety of delicious and affordable dishes that meet the needs of the local Muslim community and visitors.

MAMTOM: Feel the aromatic taste of Vietnamese cuisine, where fresh ingredients and strong flavors combine together to create unforgettable dishes.

Marouf &wah Bake: Located very close and can be reached on foot from the Kowloon Mosque, this bakery serves coffee mixed with Marouf coffee beans and newly roasted cakes such as colissants and eggsloons. PASTEAKO: A recently launched halal certified Italian restaurant specialized in handmade pasta or handmade with various forms of pasta and selected sauce, as well as 21-day preserved steak meat.

Hong Kong Disneyland: Hong Kong Disneyland focuses on providing the best Disney experience for all visitors. In all areas, guests will find various Muslim-friendly services and facilities, including the Quiet Room located next to the Explorer's Club Restaurant, a halal-certified restaurant in Thailand, and a halal menu available at the hotel.

Cheung Chau Island: Famous for its annual 'Bun Festival' and iconic hockey bupao, this charming island offers beautiful beaches, historic sites, and climbing trails that are suitable for the family.

Aqua Luna: Enjoy this beautiful afternoon cruise at the port with this iconic wooden boat, offering stunning views of Hong Kong's sky at sunset, providing the perfect setting for an unforgettable moment.

Central Market: A local cultural center in Central Market, where visitors can explore a variety of food shops, shop for unique handicrafts, and feel the lively atmosphere of one of Hong Kong's most popular markets.

Ngong Ping Village: Visit a culture-themed village built with traditional Chinese architectural elements, where visitors can choose a wide selection of places to eat and also find a variety of interesting souvenirs including jewelry, artwork, and Chinese handicrafts and enjoying the stunning view of the mountains around them. There is also a prayer room available for use based on demand at the Holidays 360 Information Center.

Tai O Fishing Village: Step back into the past in fishing village, Tai O, a traditional home stage village that offers a glimpse of the culture and way of life of local fishermen.