Hong Kong to certify 500 halal restaurants by end of next year 

Hong Kong is looking to certify more than 500 halal restaurants by the end of 2025 to beckon Muslim tourists to the city. A total of 142 restaurants have already been approved. 

The city's chief executive John Lee Ka-chiu, urged tourism-related businesses to look to Muslims visitors from the Middle Eastern and the Southeast Asian regions, Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported. 

In his latest annual policy address, the leader also suggested compiling a roster of restaurants that offered halal food, encouraging commercial entities to provide Muslim-friendly facilities such as prayer rooms. 

Dr Pang Yiu-kai, chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) said that the policy address puts forward various measures in developing a diversified portfolio of visitor source markets.

"Targeting the Middle Eastern and ASEAN markets, the HKTB promotes Hong Kong as a Muslim-friendly destination, and constantly encourages and helps restaurants, hotels and attractions to be equipped with Muslim-friendly facilities. We have also stepped up marketing efforts in the Middle East and ASEAN countries to open up new visitor sources.”