KOTA KINABALU: The State Tourism and Culture Ministry has kickstarted its "End in Sipadan" campaign to promote Sabah as a major, world-class diving destination.
Ministry director Ahmad Zaki said the campaign, which runs till June, will highlight diving sites here and in Kudat, Sandakan, Lahad Datu and Semporna.
"Sabah's diving trails, both old and new, will ensure an enthralling experience for divers.
"This campaign will also feature six volunteerism programmes, including coral planting, underwater cleaning, and turtle resting reef-building at the diving sites," he said during a press conference at Pulau Sapi island here, whereby the media and tour operators were taken on diving tours.
Three-day beginner diving lessons, which started yesterday, are among the first activities of the campaign aimed at affording participants a first-hand experience of being underwater with diverse marine life.
Ahmad added that the name of the campaign is meant to recommend to divers to choose Sipadan in Semporna, one of the best sites in the world, as the last diving stop on their tour.
He also urged locals, especially youths, to explore diving sites here, as the cost of diving in Sabah is much cheaper than elsewhere.
"The ministry will collaborate with tour agents to offer packages for diving trails and to work with international brands to promote the sites to foreigners," Ahmad added.