HONG KONG’s push to become a more Muslim-friendly destination is extending beyond hotels and attractions into the events catering space, with Shamrock Catering Group announcing that selected items on its menus have received official halal certification.
The move reflects a wider effort across the city’s business events providers to cater for growing numbers of visitors and delegates from Muslim-majority markets in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Over the past two years, venues, hotels and food providers have invested in halal-certified kitchens, menus, prayer facilities and other services designed to meet international standards.
Announcing the certification, Shamrock managing director Mark Dineley said: “As Hong Kong’s tried and trusted caterer since 1994, this development allows us to better support the diverse needs of our clients and their guests.
“Whether you are planning corporate events, staff functions, client hospitality, or multicultural celebrations, we can now offer greater inclusivity while maintaining the same high standards of quality and reliability you have come to expect from Shamrock,” Dineley wrote in a social media post.
“This certification on selected products reflects our ongoing commitment to excellence and to making every event more welcoming for all attendees.”
The announcement comes as Hong Kong’s tourism and events industry intensifies efforts to attract Muslim visitors. Hong Kong Tourism Board commissioned Singapore-based CrescentRating to assess hotels, attractions and MICE venues against internationally recognised Muslim-friendly standards, leading to a growing number of accredited venues and hospitality providers across the city.
One of the most significant developments has been at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), which became the first business events venue in Hong Kong to receive CrescentRating’s Gold Certification for MICE Venues, the highest level within the accreditation scheme.
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HKCEC introduced separate prayer spaces for men and women, ablution facilities and halal-certified food options at concession outlets, while its catering team can also prepare customised halal menus for events.
According to HKCEC management, the number of Muslim exhibitors, buyers and visitors has been increasing, prompting additional investment in halal-compliant facilities and services. The venue serves more than seven million visitors annually and has positioned the accreditation as part of a broader effort to strengthen Hong Kong’s appeal to international business event audiences.
Hotels have also been adapting. The Mira Hong Kong in Tsim Sha Tsui has emerged as one of the city’s most prominent Muslim-friendly hospitality providers. The hotel has been recognised by CrescentRating and offers halal dining options, including halal-certified Cantonese cuisine at its Cuisine Cuisine restaurant.
The Mira’s guest rooms include Qibla direction indicators, while prayer rugs and Qurans are available on request. The property also promotes halal options for meetings and events through dedicated banquet and conference packages
The hotel’s efforts have extended beyond dining. In 2025 it was named “Muslim-Friendly Hotel of the Year” at the Halal in Travel Awards organised by CrescentRating, reflecting a broader commitment to serving Muslim business and leisure travellers.
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Other Hong Kong hotels have also secured Muslim-friendly accreditation through the CrescentRating programme. Industry reports show properties including Kowloon Shangri-La, Ocean Park Marriott Hotel, Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong and others have adopted halal-friendly facilities ranging from certified kitchens and prayer spaces to dedicated halal food offerings.
The wider strategy appears to be delivering results. Industry and tourism sources reported that more than 50 Hong Kong hotels had obtained Muslim-friendly accreditation by early 2025, while the number of halal-certified restaurants had risen sharply following a coordinated industry drive supported by the tourism board.
For event organisers, the implications are increasingly practical. International conventions, exhibitions and incentive groups are becoming more diverse, with organisers routinely seeking venues and suppliers able to accommodate a range of dietary and cultural requirements. Shamrock’s certification places it among a growing group of Hong Kong suppliers positioning themselves to meet those expectations.
Main image… A diner takes a picture of halal-approved food at a dinner held by HKTB in Chinesology, the city’s first high-end halal-certified Chinese restaurant
