Mr. Derek Tse, General Manager of Eco Travel Ltd., delivered an engaging and insightful talk on environmentally-friendly tourism activities, including ecotourism and geotourism, to Geography and Resources Management (GRMG) students. Derek is actively involved in the Hong Kong Tourism Industry Council Training Committee and holds certifications as an Ecotourism Australia EcoGuide Assessor for Greater China, a National Association for Interpretation (NAI) Certified Interpretive Guide, and a Recommended Geopark Guide in Hong Kong.

Tombolo (連島沙洲), a coastal depositional feature, can be found in Sharp Island, Sai Kung. (Photo credit: Mr. Derek Tse)
Sea caves (海蝕洞), typical examples of coastal erosion, are prevalent in the outlying islands of Sai Kung. (Photo credit: Mr. Derek Tse)

During his presentation, Derek highlighted geotourism as nature-based travel that centered on appreciating Earth's non-living elements like landscapes, geology, rocks, minerals, and fossils. Participants learn about geological conservation, sustainable resources, and their connections to living things, culture, and economics, benefiting local communities through social, economic, and cultural exchanges.

The “Devil's Fist” (鬼手岩) is a renowned geological feature in Wong Chuk Kok Tsui, boasting Hong Kong's oldest sedimentary rock strata. Tectonic forces tilted the cape's rock layers from horizontal to nearly vertical, forming this iconic local landmark. (Photo credit: Mr. Derek Tse)
Black-Faced Spoonbill (黑臉琵鷺), a globally endangered waterbird, can be spotted wintering in local wetlands. (Photo credit: Mr. Derek Tse)

With vast experience in organizing environmental-friendly tours, Derek stressed the importance of understanding diverse tourist interests and flexibility in activity planning. With real-life examples, he illustrated how sustainable tourism can be both economically viable and environmentally beneficial, aligning with sustainable development goals and ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) trend for companies and organizations.

A fisherman demonstrates the deployment of a fish net at sea, showcasing the local capture fishing culture vital for villagers reliant on marine resources. (Photo credit: Mr. Derek Tse)
Pun Choi (盆菜), a traditional Hakka festival meal, is a staple in Hong Kong's New Territories villages like Lai Chi Wo within the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark. (Photo credit: Mr. Derek Tse)

Furthermore, Derek underscored the significance of innovation in geotourism planning to address potential conflicts and emerging challenges. Dr. Karen Woo, Academic Coordinator of GRMG, expressed gratitude to Derek for his enriching presentation, which enhanced students' learning and expanded their insights into geotourism practices, inspiring their future development considerations.

Derek uses the geotourism case in Tai O to underscore the importance of innovative tour design to avoid disturbing wildlife due to tourism, thereby balancing the interests of locals, environmental groups, and tourists. (Photo credit: Mr. Derek Tse)
GRMG students express gratitude to Derek for his enlightening talk on nature-based tourism development, inspiring them in their studies and career paths.
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