Hong Kong is set to roll out the “Halal Q Mark,” a dedicated certification for halal-compliant products and services, in a major push to strengthen its position in the global halal tourism and retail markets.
The certification is designed to assure Muslim consumers of compliance with Islamic dietary and ethical standards, while also opening up new opportunities for local businesses.
Steve Chuang Tzu-hsiung, chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, said the Q Mark would serve as a gateway for companies looking to engage the global Muslim market, which comprises more than 2 billion people — nearly a quarter of the world’s population.
The Muslim travel is rapidly expanding. According to the Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index 2024, the global halal travel market is projected to reach $300 billion by 2026.
In 2024, Hong Kong recorded 44.5 million tourist arrivals, with notable increases from Muslim-majority countries — a 42% jump in Indonesian tourists (366,973 arrivals) and a 50% rise from Malaysia.
These numbers, which come on the heels of enhanced Muslim-friendly initiatives by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), including targeted outreach and halal accreditation programs, highlight the impact of such efforts.
By March 2025, the number of halal-certified restaurants in the city had doubled from 100 to 200 within just nine months. These include global chains like KFC and local favorites like Chinesology and Kee Wah Bakery.
Hotels such as Kowloon Shangri-La, Dorsett Tsuen Wan, and the Regal Airport Hotel now offer halal menus and prayer facilities, with some reporting double-digit growth from Muslim guests.
The Grand Hyatt, for example, attributed part of its rise in bookings from the Middle East and Southeast Asia to its high CrescentRating score and tailored services.
The Halal Q Mark will be endorsed by a stringent certification process. To qualify, establishments must exclude pork and alcohol, use verified halal meat sources, and maintain traceable supply chains.
Certified venues range from traditional canteens like the Islamic Centre Canteen to upscale buffet restaurants like Café Kool.
The Halal Food Festival in Tsim Sha Tsui attracted large crowds in April 2025. The event showcases Hong Kong’s expanding halal food scene, which has also been growing in popularity in recent years.
Looking ahead, the city plans to introduce a Ramadan Bazaar and improve Arabic-language signage and halal amenities at transit hubs. These developments aim to align Hong Kong with global halal tourism leaders such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Dubai.
For businesses, gaining the Halal Q Mark offers more than just a seal — it provides access to a fast-growing customer base.
Certification includes training, audits, and promotional support. Restaurants like La Vache! and FOG have already seen increases in Muslim clientele.
The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre also recently earned a gold Muslim-friendly rating, expanding the halal footprint in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector.
With over 300,000 Muslims living in Hong Kong and a rich 175-year Islamic heritage, the certification not only boosts tourism but also supports community integration and economic development. There are now twice as many Halal-certified restaurants in the city as there were in March 2025.
That’s 200 restaurants compared to 100 nine months earlier. That includes big names like KFC, as well as local places like Chinesology and Kee Wah Bakery.
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