Latest news with #Halal-friendly
Web Release
4 days ago
- Sport
- Web Release
From Hosting the Saudi Super Cup to the Opening of the Cristiano Ronaldo CR7® LIFE Museum: Hong Kong Beckons Saudis and GCC Nationals as a Premier Destination for Sports and Travel Enthusiasts
This August, Hong Kong is set to take centre stage on the regional sports and tourism map as it hosts a landmark event drawing the attention of football fans across the Gulf and beyond: the Saudi Super Cup, taking place in the city and in Asia for the very first time, from 19 to 23 August 2025. Enhancing the experience for Saudi fans and visitors from the region is the recent grand opening of the Cristiano Ronaldo CR7® LIFE Museum, adding an exciting new sporting and cultural element to their stay and further reinforcing Hong Kong's appeal as a premier destination for sports and travel enthusiasts from the Gulf and beyond. The CR7® LIFE Museum opened its doors last month in Hong Kong to an enthusiastic crowd of Ronaldo supporters and football lovers. Offering an immersive, world-class experience, the exhibition takes visitors on a compelling journey through the defining moments of Ronaldo's life and career—from his humble beginnings in Madeira to his ascent as one of football's all-time greats. The Saudi Super Cup featuring four of Saudi Arabia's top football clubs marks a significant step in the championship's global expansion strategy, aimed at increasing the international visibility of Saudi football and fostering cross-cultural and sporting ties with major global cities. Adding to the excitement, Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to take to the pitch with Al-Nassr FC, alongside some of the biggest names in the Saudi Pro League. His presence is expected to draw thousands of fans, making Hong Kong this month an unmissable destination for football enthusiasts from across the Gulf and the wider Middle East. Hosting the Saudi Super Cup marks a pivotal moment in Hong Kong's tourism strategy, arriving at a time of growing interest and increasing visitor numbers from the MENA region. More than just a sporting milestone, it reinforces Hong Kong's position as a leading destination for sports tourism while showcasing the city's rich cultural and entertainment landscape. Crucially, it also serves as a strategic platform to deepen ties with Saudi Arabia and the broader MENA region, fostering meaningful, long-term exchange in both sport, tourism, and culture. The Hong Kong Tourism Board is playing a key role to ensure that all visitors from the Gulf can enjoy the exciting attractions that the city has to offer with peace of mind. In addition to the football related events that will no doubt be a major draw card for visitors from the Gulf to Hong Kong this month, visitors can use the opportunity to enjoy Hong Kong's world class theme parks and family attractions, cultural experiences, exciting shopping and world-renowned cuisine. To this end Hong Kong Tourism Board has developed a website and listing of Halal-friendly and Halal certified restaurants. For further information visit: Muslim Travel | Hong Kong Tourism Board
Mid East Info
19-06-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index reveals trends shaping the future of Halal travel - Middle East Business News and Information
10th annual report spotlights leading Muslim-friendly destinations worldwide Dubai, UAE; June, 2025 – As awareness of Muslim travelers' needs grows, Halal travel is increasingly shaping how destinations design and deliver experiences. According to the newly released 2025 Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI), international Muslim arrivals reached 176 million in 2024 – up 25% from 2023 – and are projected to grow to 245 million by 2030. By then, total travel spending is expected to reach USD$230 billion, highlighting the growing influence and economic potential of this vibrant market. To stay competitive, travel and tourism stakeholders must adapt to the evolving needs of Muslim travelers, prioritizing purpose, inclusivity, and digital innovation. The 10th edition of the GMTI identifies the key trends and destination leaders shaping the future of Halal-friendly travel. Key Consumer Trends Impacting Halal Travel: GMTI 2025 highlights five important trends shaping Muslim travel preferences today: Smart Apps for Halal Journeys: Muslim travelers are embracing digital tools that offer seamless access to faith-aligned services and personalized experiences. The Modern Female Muslim Traveler: Women are shaping the Halal travel sector in powerful ways, driving demand for safer, inclusive, and thoughtfully designed spaces. Muslim-friendly facilities: Destinations that offer alcohol-free environments, Halal-certified dining, prayer facilities, and gender-segregated pools and spas are becoming essential. Solo Travel Surge: Younger Muslim travelers are embracing solo adventures, favoring autonomy and personalized itineraries. Digital Detox Retreats: Inspired by Islamic values of mindfulness and balance, many travelers are seeking tech-free escapes rooted in nature and spirituality. Destinations Leading the Way in Muslim-Friendly Travel The GMTI 2025 highlights leading destinations around the world that are setting benchmarks in Muslim-friendly travel. Among OIC destinations, Malaysia retains the top spot, recognized for its accessible Halal-friendly services and infrastructure. Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) share the second spot, each offering a strong combination of cultural heritage, modern amenities, and dedicated efforts to enhance the Muslim travel experience. Indonesia also ranks highly, supported by its rich cultural appeal. Other notable destinations in the Gulf region include Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait, all of which continue to strengthen their offerings for Muslim travelers. Among non-OIC destinations, Singapore remains the leader – recognized for its emphasis on inclusivity and cultural sensitivity. Thailand and the Philippines are steadily emerging as rising Muslim-friendly destinations in Southeast Asia. Thailand offers warm hospitality and a growing range of Halal-certified services, while the Philippines is enhancing its capacity to serve Muslim travelers through better Halal food access and Muslim-friendly features at key tourist sites. In addition, Hong Kong has emerged as standout non-OIC destination, ranking third in the GMTI 2025. The city has invested significantly in Muslim-friendly infrastructure, with 61 hotels accredited by CrescentRating and 153 restaurants Halal-certified by the Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong. Hong Kong also received the Most Promising Muslim-Friendly Destination of the Year award, part of the Global Muslim Travel Index Awards. Taiwan has also continuously positioned itself as a Muslim-friendly destination, offering a welcoming environment that respects cultural and religious diversity. Over 230 restaurants and hotels have been Halal-certified by the Chinese Muslim Association, many of which include separate kitchens to meet dietary requirements. With the global Muslim travel market entering a dynamic new growth phase, GMTI 2025 serves as a timely guide for stakeholders looking to tap into this fast-evolving landscape.
