EFFORTS to make Hong Kong a more friendly destination for Muslim travellers took a monumental step forward during the holy month of Ramadan.
The Mira Hotel across from the city’s main mosque in Tsim Sha Tsui hosted its first Ramadan Ifta Dinner attended by nearly 200 guests including local Muslim community leaders, diplomats from the Middle East and Asia, and Hong Kong government officials.
Ifta gatherings mark the traditional ending of a day of fasting during the month of Ramadan. The dinner on March 4 aligned with a partnership between the hotel’s owners, Miramar Group, and the Consulate of Türkiye in Hong Kong to tap into each other’s tourism markets while at the same time promoting awareness of Halal and the Islamic faith.
The event at the Mira followed Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB)’s hosting of a familiarisation trip for Muslim travel trade representatives from Southeast Asia.
More than 20 representatives from Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia experienced Hong Kong’s offerings firsthand from February 17 to 20. They visited hotels with Muslim accreditations by international certifier CrescentRating and sampled authentic Halal-certified Chinese cuisine such as crab roe noodles, handmade cookies, and dim sum.
Since the beginning of 2024, HKTB has adopted a diversified approach to establish Hong Kong as a Muslim-friendly tourism environment through three major directions: accreditation, education, and promotion, which has received tremendous support from stakeholders and tourism-related sectors.”
– Becky Ip, Deputy Executive Director, Hong Kong Tourism Board
At a media conference held during the fast-breaking event at The Mira, Alex Lee, general manager of Miramar Travel, told MIX that he believed the Halal travel market in Hong Kong would grow. He added that The Mira’s efforts in catering to Muslim guests was “just the beginning” but there was also a need to raise awareness of Halal among Asian travellers to Miramar’s markets in Türkiye and among countries in the Middle East.
“A lot of the local businessmen in Hong Kong don’t even know much about what Halal service is and how it can be provided to Muslim people,” Lee said, adding the same was the case for Kowloon Mosque, which is located across the road from The Mira. Though it is a city landmark, he reckoned only a few non-Muslim Hongkongers appreciated its significance.
After an evening that began with the sunset prayer at The Mira led by the Chief Imam of Hong Kong, Mufti Muhammad Arshad, there followed the symbolic breaking of the fast with dates and lentil soup followed by a Halal buffet featuring Chinese and Mediterranean cuisine. The event also included traditional music performances, Turkish shadow puppet theatre, and an interactive Turkish Bazaar serving traditional snacks enjoyed during Ramadan.
Angelina Cheung, Hong Kong’s Commissioner for Tourism, Culture, Sports and Tourism said she was pleased to see the travel trade work together and with the government in developing the Middle East and Asean outbound tourism markets by offering suitable dining options for Muslim visitors.
The Mira Hong Kong and its sister property, Mira Moon, have received CrescentRating recognition for Halal-friendly services. Both hotels offer Arabic-speaking guest ambassadors, and amenities such as Mecca direction pointers, Quran and prayer rugs upon request, and other amenities.
The efforts by HKTB and The Mira Hong Kong follow the development of stronger ties between the city and Middle East countries. Investment deals have recently been signed along with the launch of marketing efforts aimed at attracting more leisure and business event travellers from the region.
Main image… Kowloon Masjid and Islamic Centre – or Kowloon Mosque – is located across the road from The Mira Hong Kong
