LAHAD DATU: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) has identified Blue Ring Hole, an iconic scuba diving spot at the Tingkayu Reef, Teluk Darvel here, as the country’s new tourism product.
Its minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said there were only 10 Blue Ring Hole sites in the world, each with a blue hole structure, but the Blue Ring Hole here was found with two holes, which was unusual.
“Our visit to the Blue Ring Hole here today is to assist in the promotion of this new tourism product.
“We’re seeking for fresh tourism products for the country as we strive to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic,” she told reporters here, today.
The Blue Ring Hole, also known among local fisherman as Takat Tenggiri, is around 20 kilometres from Lahad Datu town and takes about 30 minutes to reach by motorboat.
Nancy added many tourism activities could be carried out at the spot including scuba diving and snorkeling.
“This is a great place for domestic or international travellers who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
“The ministry felt that many tourism products in Sabah including its arts and culture can be actively promoted.
“Many of these products have yet to be recognised and I believe that Sabahans’ arts, culture and heritage can become tourism products that complement the existing physical products, such as the foods,” she pointed out.
In this regard, she called on local residents to work with the government to promote the state’s tourism products which could produce revenue for both the people and the country.
Nancy also noted that MOTAC was committed to ensure that efforts to revive the tourism industry were on the right track and that they would be accomplished within the time frame given. − BERNAMA
