China: Macao relies on halal tourism to attract new travelers

Located on the southern coast of China, near Hong Kong, Macau is expanding its services to welcome more Muslim tourists. This former Portuguese possession, which became a Chinese special administrative region in 1999, wishes to diversify its clientele, particularly among travelers from Indonesia, Malaysia and the Middle East. Known for its casinos, Macau also has a heritage where Chinese and Portuguese cultures mix. Its historic center, listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, is home to the Senado Square, the famous ruins of Saint-Paul and the A-Ma temple. Its streets, museums and architecture offer cultural interest well beyond the game.

To facilitate the stay of Muslim visitors, the destination highlights halal-certified restaurants, a practical guide and information on places of prayer. The offer distinguishes in particular fully halal restaurants from establishments with halal cuisine, but which can serve alcohol in the dining room. Staff training and the development of prayer spaces remain challenges for improving reception.

This strategy is part of a growing global market. According to the Global Muslim Travel Index 2026, published by Mastercard and CrescentRating, international arrivals of Muslim travelers reached 196 million in 2025, up 11.3% year-on-year. Projections are for 208 million in 2026, then 262 million in 2030, with annual tourism spending which could reach $310 billion. These figures concern all international travel by Muslims, and not only pilgrimages or halal-certified stays.

Macau could also be of interest to Muslim tourists living in France and elsewhere in the West, particularly those wishing to discover Chinese heritage and historical exchanges between Asia and Europe. A cultural stopover of a few days, integrated into a trip including Hong Kong, constitutes a possibility for these visitors, without their weight in current attendance being established. To transform this potential into sustainable attendance, Macau will need to combine its tourist attractions with reliable and accessible services, allowing Muslim visitors to discover the destination while respecting their religious practices.