Muslim-friendly Hong Kong: New Accreditation System Welcomes Travelers

Hong Kong Welcomes Muslim Travelers With New Accreditation System

Hong Kong is making strides to become a more inclusive destination for Muslim travelers with the launch of a comprehensive accreditation system for hotels and tourist attractions. This initiative, spearheaded by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), complements the city’s existing halal restaurant certifications, further solidifying its commitment to catering to diverse travel needs.

Expanding Hospitality for Muslim Guests

“Consumers as travellers… have a lot of [other] touchpoints; for example, restaurants and hotels,” said Becky Ip Ching-tak, HKTB Deputy Executive Director. While the city already boasts numerous halal-certified restaurants, this new system aims to ensure a more seamless and comfortable experience for Muslim visitors across all aspects of their journey.

The initiative is designed to encourage more partners in the tourism industry to adopt Muslim-friendly practices, making Hong Kong a truly welcoming destination for travelers from around the globe.

Rigorous Evaluation for Muslim-Friendly Accommodations

The accreditation system is built upon a rigorous evaluation process conducted by CrescentRating, a leading global authority on halal travel. Hotels are assessed on a scale of one to seven, with a minimum score of three required to be designated as “Muslim-friendly.”

Meeting these standards involves offering essential facilities and services that cater to the specific needs of Muslim guests. These include providing Qibla directions, listings of nearby mosques, and halal breakfast options.

Excellence in Hospitality: Five-Star Muslim-Friendly Hotels

Two of Hong Kong’s esteemed hotels, the Ocean Park Marriott Hotel and Kowloon Shangri-La, have achieved the highest rating of five, indicating their exceptional commitment to Muslim-friendly hospitality.

These hotels not only meet the baseline requirements but also go above and beyond by offering fully halal-certified kitchens, ensuring that Muslim guests can enjoy a wide array of culinary delights without compromising their dietary beliefs.

Tourist Destinations Embrace Inclusivity

Tourist attractions are also evaluated under the new system, receiving classifications of bronze, silver, or gold. Gold-certified destinations, such as the iconic Ocean Park and Ngong Ping 360, demonstrate a strong commitment to welcoming Muslim visitors.

These attractions provide dedicated ablution facilities and Muslim-friendly toilets, ensuring a comfortable and respectful experience for all guests.

Chinesology: Pioneering Halal Fine Dining in Hong Kong

The accreditation system not only enriches the hospitality offerings for Muslim travelers but also expands the city’s culinary landscape. Chinesology, a celebrated fine-dining Chinese eatery located in the IFC Mall, has become Hong Kong’s first restaurant to achieve halal certification.

Culinary director Saito Chau Sai-to described the journey to certification as a transformative experience that involved significant operational changes, including acquiring new equipment and sourcing halal-certified ingredients. The restaurant now offers a curated menu of 20 halal dishes, including a delectable version of char siu prepared with beef instead of pork.

“Chinesology aims to bridge the gap between traditional Chinese culinary mastery and the needs of diverse diners,” explained Saito. This commitment to inclusivity allows Muslim guests to partake in the richness of Hong Kong’s gastronomic heritage while adhering to their faith.

What are some​ specific features or amenities that Muslim travelers prioritize when choosing a‌ hotel?

## Interview with a Muslim⁣ Traveler About ‍Hong Kong’s New Accreditation System

**Interviewer:** Welcome! We’re excited to chat with ‍you today about Hong Kong’s new accreditation ​system for Muslim-friendly ⁣hotels and attractions. ⁣As ⁢a Muslim traveler, what are⁣ your initial thoughts on this initiative?

**Traveler:** It’s truly fantastic news! Knowing that hotels are being ‌evaluated ‌and‍ rated based⁢ on⁣ their commitment to Muslim-friendly practices really puts my mind⁤ at ease. Finding halal food options is one thing, but having‍ accommodations that​ cater to my faith’s requirements is ‍equally important.⁤

**Interviewer:** Can you ⁣elaborate on what makes a hotel “Muslim-friendly” in your experience?

**Traveler:** Things like providing Qibla⁣ directions, halal breakfast ⁢options, and information about nearby mosques make a ⁣huge difference. ⁤It shows that⁤ the hotel has ‌put thought into the⁢ needs of Muslim guests and wants us to feel welcomed and comfortable.

**Interviewer:** The article mentions that the Ocean Park​ Marriott Hotel ⁤and Kowloon Shangri-La have achieved‌ the highest rating. ⁣Does that influence your travel ⁤decisions?

**Traveler:** Absolutely! Knowing that these hotels have gone the extra mile to earn the ‍highest rating gives me confidence ⁣in their commitment.⁣ It makes choosing lodging⁢ so much easier, knowing I can ⁢trust their environment ⁢and services.

**Interviewer:** Hong Kong already has a strong reputation for diverse cuisine and hospitality. Do you think this initiative will further enhance its appeal to ​Muslim travelers?

**Traveler:** Definitely! This move demonstrates Hong​ Kong’s genuine effort to be inclusive and cater ⁤to a wider range of travelers. I believe it ⁣will⁢ encourage more Muslim​ families and individuals ⁣to consider Hong Kong as a ⁣vacation​ destination, knowing their needs will be met with respect and consideration.

**Interviewer:** Thank you so ​much for ⁣sharing your insights! We hope Hong Kong’s new⁤ accreditation system will pave the way for even more inclusive ​and welcoming travel experiences. [[1](https://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/explore/muslim-travel.html)]