"They are not trained and don't know how best to approach the flora and fauna," he said. "They go too close to the dolphins or blaze through the country. It's not good for the reputation of the industry either."
He believes Hong Kong is locked in a vicious cycle of trying to attract low-income visitors to facilities that require high levels of maintenance.
"Boat operators are also ruining some of the smaller islands, by taking dozens of people to places that are hopelessly unable to cope with such invasions. There should be a rethink of how eco-tourism is promoted."
The Tourism Board, however, stressed it would continue promoting present eco-tours.
"Green tourism is one of the strengths that we always emphasize," the spokeswoman said.
RSS