The light float plane drifted down like a giant dragonfly to land on the placid lagoon in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Gorgeously hued tropical fish swam lazily through the crystal-clear waters.
Then the peace was broken as the owner of a large Hong Kong travel agency casually flicked his cigarette butt into the water. The pilot hastily stripped off his shirt and shorts and dived into the water to retrieve the wretched object.
'I was mortified,' admits David Leung Tin-lung. He is Hong Kong-based regional director of the Queensland Tourist and Travel Bureau, and the fag-throwing travel agent was among a party of industry VIPs he was escorting to Australia's number one natural attraction.
That incident was partly responsible for spurring Mr Leung to volunteer for a leading role in the newly formed Eco-Tourism Awareness Group.
This body, made up of professionals in the travel industry, is dedicated to spreading the message that mass tourism can live with nature. Mr Leung is the group's deputy chairman.
As its chairman, veteran travel agent David Man Tai-wai, points out: 'You don't have to destroy the planet to enjoy it.' Mr Leung adds: 'There should be a code of conduct for tourists who go to places of great natural beauty. They should be taught not to deface what they have gone to admire.' The body aims to encourage travellers from Hong Kong and other parts of China to appreciate natural beauty, not trample everything in their paths. Both men admit their self-chosen task is a tough one but points to promising signs of change.
