Macau Expands Halal Services to Attract More Muslim Tourists
Macau Expands Halal Services to Attract More Muslim Tourists
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Macau is seeking to strengthen its position as a Muslim-friendly tourist destination by expanding services tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers.
In an article published on October 29, 2026, the Macau Daily Times stressed that promoting halal tourism requires more than advertising and brochures, calling for reliable facilities and services that meet visitors’ religious and practical needs.
According to the newspaper, the number of international Muslim tourist arrivals reached 176 million in 2024, representing a 25% increase from 2023. The figure is projected to rise to 245 million by 2030, with Muslim travelers’ spending estimated at $230 billion. Macau entered the 2025 Global Muslim Travel Index for the first time, ranking 16th among destinations outside the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and fifth among destinations considered suitable for Muslim women travelers.
The report highlighted the importance of expanding halal-certified restaurants, providing accessible prayer areas and suitable ablution facilities, and offering accurate information about available services. It also emphasized that halal standards extend beyond food hygiene to include ingredients, preparation methods, alcohol-related concerns and the prevention of cross-contamination.
Proposed measures include increasing the number of halal-certified kitchens, updating interactive maps of restaurants and places of worship, and training tourism staff to better understand Muslim visitors’ needs. Hotels are also encouraged to provide clear information about the services they offer. Macau’s challenge, the newspaper noted, is to turn its tourism ambitions into practical, accessible and trustworthy services for Muslim travelers.
