Hong Kong’s government is pushing to attract more Muslim tourists by expanding halal dining options, with a goal to certify over 500 halal restaurants by the end of 2025.

The target, up from the current 142 certified establishments, follows Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu’s latest policy address, where he outlined strategies to boost tourism from the Middle East and Southeast Asia, South China Morning Post reported.

In his address, Lee urged tourism-related businesses to explore new markets by offering enhanced services for Muslim visitors.

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His recommendations included expanding the list of halal-certified dining establishments and encouraging hotels and other businesses to provide facilities such as prayer rooms.

The city aims to better accommodate the needs of Muslim travelers and enhance Hong Kong’s appeal as a welcoming destination for diverse cultural and religious groups.

Saeed Uddin, chairman of the Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong, expressed optimism about the initiative.

“After the speech of our chief executive, I think more restaurants and hotels will be interested in coming to us for halal certification,” he said.

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The organization, which oversees halal certification in the absence of a dedicated government body, has received several new inquiries since the policy address was delivered.

The push to expand halal options aligns with Hong Kong’s broader strategy to diversify its tourism market amid increasing regional competition.

With travel rebounding post-pandemic, the city is aiming to capture a share of the growing Muslim travel market, which is projected to reach 230 million global travelers by 2028.

As Muslim tourists seek destinations that cater to their dietary and religious needs, the government sees an opportunity to position Hong Kong as a top choice.

Halal certification ensures that food meets Islamic dietary standards, which is essential for Muslim travelers in selecting dining options.

Beyond food, the certification also extends to non-food products, such as cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, that may be used during a traveler’s stay.

Currently, Hong Kong’s halal-certified dining scene is largely limited to major hotels and a few international chains, offering limited variety for Muslim tourists.

The increased focus on halal dining is part of a larger effort to position Hong Kong as a gateway to China for Muslim visitors, enhancing the city’s competitive edge in the tourism industry.