I obtained a PhD from the Department of Geography at the University of Hong Kong and subsequently held positions at various higher education institutions and universities in Hong Kong. In May 2023, I joined York Business School of York St John University as a Professor in Tourism and Event Management.
Prior to my appointment at York St John University, I served as an Associate Head and Associate Professor in the Department of Social Sciences at the Education University of Hong Kong for over 8 years. During this time, I also took on several administrative roles, including University General Education Coordinator, Chair of the Departmental Research and Development Committee, Chair of the Department Teaching and Learning Committee, and Programme Coordinator of the BEd (Hons) Geography. Additionally, I had the privilege of leading and coordinating the UoA 26 Geography for the Research Assessment Exercise 2020.
Throughout my career, my research focus has revolved around nature-based tourism, sustainable tourism, protected areas management, and other topics related to environmental studies. I have maintained close collaborations with various protected areas in the Greater China Region, as well as countries in Southeast Asia such as Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia. In recognition of my expertise, I have been appointed as a member of advisory committees for governments, protected areas, and NGOs, where I provide advice for the planning and management of nature-based tourism destinations.
As an active researcher, my work has been widely published in international journals such as Annals of the American Association of Geographers, Global Environmental Changes, Journal of Sustainable Tourism, Tourism Geographies, Journal of Cleaner Production, Landscape and Urban Planning, Land Use Policy, Science of the Total Environment, and Cities, among others.
My primary research revolves around the domains of ecotourism and sustainable tourism, with a specific focus on nature-based destinations within protected areas. Over the course of my career, I have undertaken several research projects to investigate and delve into the environmental attitudes and behaviours of ecotourists and nature-based tourists within these protected areas.
Currently, my research endeavours are centred on exploring the impacts of nature-based tourists on the physical and biological environments. I aim to gain a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between tourism activities and the natural surroundings within protected areas.
Furthermore, I am actively engaged in collaborative work with esteemed colleagues from China, New Zealand, and Hong Kong. Together, we are examining the impacts of climate change on tourism in hazard-pone areas of Southeast Asia. This research serves to shed light on the challenges and implications that climate change poses for the tourism industry within these vulnerable regions.
I am enthusiastic about fostering collaborations with colleagues, potential research students, and fellow researchers who share similar interests in these research areas. If you are interested in exploring potential collaborations or engaging in further discussions, I warmly encourage you to reach out to me via email. I look forward to the opportunity to connect and engage in meaningful research endeavours together.
I have had the honour of being appointed as a member or advisor to numerous advisory committees for both local and international NGOs and governmental organisations. These roles have allowed me to contribute my expertise and provide valuable insights on various topics within my field.
In addition to my advisory commitments, I also serve on the editorial boards of several esteemed journals. Furthermore, I have been entrusted with the responsibility of acting as a guest editor for various journals, where I curate and oversee special issues that explore significant themes and emerging research areas.
The following are my professional services to the community
- National Representative (Hong Kong) of International Geographical Union Executive Committee (2021 to present).
- Committee Member of Lantau Conservation Fund Advisory Committee, Development Bureau, HKSAR (2022 to present).
- Member of the Country and Marine Park Board, HKSAR (Sept 2019 to present).
- Chairman of the Assessment Committee of EcoGuide Certification (Greater China), Ecotourism Australia (March 2017 to present).
- Chairman of the HKDSE Geography Subject Committee, HKEAA (Sept 2015 to June 2021).
- Expert Advisor of the Development and Conservation of Lantau (CEDD), Hong Kong (2018 to 2022).
- Member of Expert Group on Green Transport and Ecotourism for Lantau, Sustainable Lantau Office, HKSAR (2020 to 2022).
- Committee Member (EdUHK representative) for the Transport Logistics Training Board (TLTB), Vocational Training Council (VTC) (April 2016 to April 2021).
- Reviewer for Competitive Research Funding Schemes for the Local Self-financing Degree Sector under Research Grants Council (2019).
- Expert Advisor for the Assessment Panel of the Ecotourism Accreditation System for the Wolong National Nature Reserve, China (2016 to 2019).
- Expert Advisor for the Eco-tourism Project in the Wolong Nature Reserve, Sichuan Province. Development Bureau, HKSAR (Sept 2013 to April 2017).
- Invited Speaker of the South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou. (Dec 2015).
- External Examiner for MPhil of the Department of Geography, HKU.
- External Examiner for PhD of the Department of Geography and Resources Management, CUHK.
- Editorial board member of the Asian Geographer (2016 to present).
- Editorial board member of Tourism and Hospitality (2020 to present).
