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SHAH ALAM - Hong Kong has climbed to second place in the Muslim-friendly Destination of the Year (Non-Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) category at the Halal in Travel Awards 2026, reflecting its growing appeal to Muslim travellers.
The recognition was announced at the Halal in Travel Global Summit in Singapore, where CrescentRating and Mastercard also unveiled the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2026. Hong Kong’s latest ranking marks an improvement from third place last year.
The city also retained its No.1 position in the Muslim-friendly Accessible Travel Destination (Non-OIC) category and remained the runner-up for Muslim Women Friendly Travel Destination (Non-OIC).
According to the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), the city now offers close to 290 Muslim-friendly establishments, including 222 halal-certified and Muslim-owned eateries, as well as 61 Crescent Rated hotels.
Several Hong Kong tourism stakeholders were also recognised at the awards.
Kai Tak Cruise Terminal was named Muslim-friendly Transport Hub of the Year, Dorsett Tsuen Wan Hong Kong received the Muslim-friendly Hotel of the Year award, while Ocean Park Hong Kong was named Muslim-friendly Attraction of the Year.
HKTB chairman Dr Peter Lam said the recognition reflects continued efforts by the government, HKTB and industry partners to improve Muslim-friendly tourism offerings.
"It is encouraging to see that Hong Kong continues to make progress in promoting Muslim-friendly tourism and has repeatedly received international recognition.
"These awards demonstrate the concerted efforts of the Government, HKTB and the travel trade," he said.
He said HKTB will continue its accreditation, education and promotion strategy to expand Muslim-friendly facilities and dining options across the city.
"This will help further promote Muslim tourism, establish Hong Kong as a Muslim-friendly tourism destination, and attract more visitors to Hong Kong," he added.
Visitor arrivals from Malaysia also rose 9.7 per cent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, indicating growing demand for Muslim-friendly travel options.
In addition, HKTB’s 'Jelajah Hong Kong' campaign won the Halal Travel Marketing Campaign of the Year award.
The campaign highlights Hong Kong’s Muslim-friendly attractions through culturally tailored content, including a Raya music video featuring Malaysian artists Ernie Zakri and Syamel Aqmal.
The campaign is supported by online resources such as the Muslim Travel section on DiscoverHongKong.com and a digital Muslim Travel Guide, which provide information on halal food, prayer facilities, accommodation and travel itineraries.
With around 290 Muslim-friendly establishments and expanding services, Hong Kong says it aims to further strengthen its position as a welcoming destination for Muslim travellers from Malaysia and around the world.
