CrescentRating, the world’s leading authority on halal travel, together with Mastercard, has unveiled the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2025. In a major recognition for the city’s commitment to Muslim-friendly tourism, Hong Kong has been ranked third among non-OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) destinations worldwide and was named the “Most Promising Muslim-Friendly Destination of the Year.”

This achievement reinforces Hong Kong’s growing reputation as a welcoming destination for Muslim travellers from the GCC and wider Middle East, who are increasingly seeking halal-friendly, family-oriented, and culturally enriching experiences in Asia.

Dr Peter Lam, Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), highlighted the city’s commitment to serving the GCC and the Muslim travel market:

“HKTB has joined hands with the Hong Kong SAR Government and trade partners in the tourism industry and related sectors to drive Hong Kong’s development as a Muslim-friendly destination. We have done this through a three-pronged approach of accreditation, education, and promotion to diversify the city’s visitor source markets and visitor segments. We have also facilitated the fostering of closer ties between Hong Kong, the Middle East, and ASEAN countries in recent years. HKTB thanks the Government for its full support and our trade partners for their efforts in elevating the city’s Muslim-friendly tourism facilities. We are excited about the awards and extend our heartfelt congratulations to the winning establishments.”

CrescentRating specialises in halal tourism studies, accreditation, and promotion, and is the world’s leading authority on Muslim-friendly travel. The GMTI, developed through a collaboration between CrescentRating and Mastercard, covers 153 destinations worldwide and examines aspects including halal food supply, accommodation, Muslim-friendly facilities, and other travel-related factors to assess how welcoming destinations are to Muslim visitors.

Hong Kong ranks third among non-OIC Muslim-friendly destinations

In its 2025 index, Hong Kong’s ranking among “Muslim-friendly Destinations (non-OIC)” rose from the fourth in 2024 to third, making the city a top three destination in the index for the first time. Among the non-OIC destinations, Hong Kong also ranked first in CrescentRating’s new “Muslim-friendly Accessible Travel Destination (non-OIC)” category and second in the “Muslim Women Friendly Travel Destination (non-OIC)” category.

In the annual “The Halal in Travel Awards 2025” by CrescentRating, Hong Kong was named the “Most Promising Muslim-friendly Destination of the Year”. Various hotels, attractions and venues also won awards in different categories (see table below for details), underscoring the collective efforts of the HKTB and various sectors in promoting Muslim-friendly tourism.

Winning establishment and award category

HKTB’s three-pronged approach to promote Muslim-friendly tourism

HKTB has been driving Hong Kong’s development as a Muslim-friendly destination through a three-pronged approach of accreditation, education, and promotion. In cooperation with credible accreditation organisations, HKTB educates restaurants, hotels, attractions, and MICE event venues on Muslim-friendly tourism and encourages them to apply for accreditation. So far, about 190 eateries have been certified, compared with around 100 in early 2024. These certified establishments offer multifarious choices, ranging from high-end Chinese cuisine to local noodles, as well as baked goods and edible souvenirs. Meanwhile, more than 60 hotels, attractions, and convention and exhibition venues have been rated as Muslim-friendly.

HKTB also promotes Hong Kong as a Muslim-friendly destination by marketing through a variety of channels, including a dedicated Muslim tourism page on its one-stop travel portal DiscoverHongKong.com, and targeted marketing in Muslim visitor source markets. HKTB also invites Muslim trade and media representatives to come to Hong Kong in person to experience the city for themselves and use their networks to showcase Hong Kong to international audiences as a Muslim-friendly destination.

KTB also promotes Hong Kong as a Muslim-friendly destination by marketing through a variety of channels, including a dedicated Muslim tourism page on its one-stop travel portal DiscoverHongKong.com, and targeted marketing in Muslim visitor source markets. HKTB also invites Muslim trade and media representatives to come to Hong Kong in person to experience the city for themselves and use their networks to showcase Hong Kong to international audiences as a Muslim-friendly destination.