NEWS

WIRES

OTHER

SkyCity Marriott Becomes First Hotel in Hong Kong to Receive Halal Food Certification

Finding the right place to eat has always been one of the major challenges for Islamic travelers. Although Hong Kong is a culturally diversified community, the number of Halal certified restaurants and dining places are still very limited, with majority of them located in Wanchai, Central and Tsimshatsui area. Seeing the huge business potential, SkyCity Marriott, a standout among Hong Kong Airport hotels, has taken the lead and become the first hotel to have successfully obtained the certification.

Under Muslim religious practice, a set of Islamic dietary laws regulate the preparation of food and premises which are certified to serve Halal food, items that are fit for Muslims to consume, must be free from prohibited foodstuffs.

"I am pleased to see SkyCity Marriott as the first Halal food certified hotel in Hong Kong," says Saeed H. Aljunaibi, Consul-General of the United Arab Emirates, while Mufti Muhammad Arshad added, "a few hotels in Hong Kong did attempt to apply (for the certificate) in the past but none of them was successful as they failed to comply with certain processes. The inspection is not easy, as we, being the certification body, have to ensure repeatedly that all stringent standards and procedures, from the source and storage of ingredients, way of cooking as well as how it is being served, are adhered to the strict rules. I am glad now that local Muslim community and travellers can enjoy Halal food in a 5-star environment in Hong Kong."

SkyCity Marriott is eager to apply for Halal food certification because there is a strong need from their hotel guests. "With crew members of Malaysian, Emirates and Qatar Airlines staying with us, we already see an internal demand," says Nicholas Tse, General Manager of the hotel at Hong Kong Airport. "Besides we hope to change the general public's perception of an airport hotel -- we cater to every need, even special dietary requirements, despite our location." Tse continues, "with the official certification, we become more competitive, in particular in the M.I.C.E. sector, to tab business from markets where there are large Muslim population, including the Middle East, Indonesia, Malaysia and even China."

The Halal food menu, which includes selection of chicken and lamb, is now available at SkyCity Bistro during breakfast, lunch and dinner hours. Though a daily special is being served, chefs are flexible and happy to prepare dishes according to guests' likings.

Other special menus, such as Indian vegetarian menus and Kosher meals, can also be prepared with prior arrangement, therefore providing value-added benefits to M.I.C.E. organizers, business and leisure travelers seeking something different than what's on offer at typical Hong Kong buffets.

Representatives from the Hong Kong Tourism Board Trade Services and Business Development, Consul-General of United Arab Emirates, Vice Consul General of State of Kuwait (Hong Kong SAR), Consul General of Pakistan, Consul General of Bangladesh, Consul General of Cambodia, the Honorary Consul of The Gabonese Republic, together with airport managers from Emirates, Jet Airways, Qatar Airways and Royal Jordanian gathered at the hotel near Chek Lap Kok Airport for celebration on the day it announced the news and received certification from Mr. Hameed Jalal, Chairman of The Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic. For reservations and inquiry, please contact SkyCity Bistro at (852) 3969 2500.

Address: 1/F (Lobby Level), Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel; 1 SkyCity Road, Hong Kong International Airport, Lantau, Hong Kong.