310,000 visitors in skies over Cappadocia, Turkey
In 2013, 310,000 visitors enjoyed hot air ballooning over Cappadocia, a well-known Turkish tourist destination of unique underground cities carved into the rocks.
Cappadocia, located in the Anatolian province of Nevsehir, is famous for its spectacular geography of minaret-shaped sedimentary rocks, called peri bacaları, or 'fairy chimneys', formed by ancient volcano eruptions. The Nevsehir Representative of the Turkish Civil Aviation Directorate (SGHM) reported that the number of people taking hot air balloon rides increased from 235,000 in 2011 to 310,000 in 2013, with the number of balloons increasing to 220.
The region is one of the top three sites in the world for hot air ballooning, boasting excellent air conditions for flights. Balloons drift over the chimneys, houses carved into unique rock formations, and magnificent valleys. Hot air balloon tours can be arranged any time of year and cost approximately €110-130. Tours are usually arranged two to three hours before sunset when winds are typically lighter, thus avoiding extreme air currents.
Cappadocia's main attraction is the relative lack of wind and the bird's eye view of breathtaking landscapes. Now with a tougher inspection schedule, the Civil Aviation General Directorate is aiming to make the experience even safer and more comfortable.
SGHM's Nevsehir representative reported that there has been a serious increase in ballooning activity in the Cappadocia region, with the number of companies operating hot air balloons rising from just eight in 2006 to 22 in 2013. In line with such an increase, the number of pilots licensed to operate hot air balloons has increased from 43 in 2006 to above 200.
SGHM representative Sinan Cetinkaya stated that although hot air ballooning is one of the safest forms of flying, with the number of companies and clients steadily increasing stricter safety measures should be taken. In order to ensure safe and secure flights, SGHM has launched its Nevsehir Office in June 2013 and will be publishing more advanced and detailed regulations complimented by more regular inspections.
Cetinkaya also said that in order to monitor problems and be aware of new developments in hot air ballooning, a team has been established to arrange meetings with local agencies and companies and provide reports to SGHM. Since balloons are only used for entertainment and not for transportation, any kind of incident or problem, no matter how small, would be considered disastrous for the tourism industry.
Some of the new regulations regarding hot air ballooning focus on limiting the number of passengers in a balloon. "In order to prevent overloading of the balloons above the maximum number allowed, we will determine the maximum capacity for each type of balloon and make sure that the number is visibly displayed on the balloon. Thus, the passengers would be able to see the capacity before they enter the balloon. In the past, balloon companies allowed up to 28 to 30 people on a single balloon, but with new regulations in place, the maximum number allowed will be 20," Cetinkaya said.
The region is one of the top three sites in the world for hot air ballooning, boasting excellent air conditions for flights. Balloons drift over the chimneys, houses carved into unique rock formations, and magnificent valleys. Hot air balloon tours can be arranged any time of year and cost approximately €110-130. Tours are usually arranged two to three hours before sunset when winds are typically lighter, thus avoiding extreme air currents.
Cappadocia's main attraction is the relative lack of wind and the bird's eye view of breathtaking landscapes. Now with a tougher inspection schedule, the Civil Aviation General Directorate is aiming to make the experience even safer and more comfortable.
SGHM's Nevsehir representative reported that there has been a serious increase in ballooning activity in the Cappadocia region, with the number of companies operating hot air balloons rising from just eight in 2006 to 22 in 2013. In line with such an increase, the number of pilots licensed to operate hot air balloons has increased from 43 in 2006 to above 200.
SGHM representative Sinan Cetinkaya stated that although hot air ballooning is one of the safest forms of flying, with the number of companies and clients steadily increasing stricter safety measures should be taken. In order to ensure safe and secure flights, SGHM has launched its Nevsehir Office in June 2013 and will be publishing more advanced and detailed regulations complimented by more regular inspections.
Cetinkaya also said that in order to monitor problems and be aware of new developments in hot air ballooning, a team has been established to arrange meetings with local agencies and companies and provide reports to SGHM. Since balloons are only used for entertainment and not for transportation, any kind of incident or problem, no matter how small, would be considered disastrous for the tourism industry.
Some of the new regulations regarding hot air ballooning focus on limiting the number of passengers in a balloon. "In order to prevent overloading of the balloons above the maximum number allowed, we will determine the maximum capacity for each type of balloon and make sure that the number is visibly displayed on the balloon. Thus, the passengers would be able to see the capacity before they enter the balloon. In the past, balloon companies allowed up to 28 to 30 people on a single balloon, but with new regulations in place, the maximum number allowed will be 20," Cetinkaya said.
Last Update: January 15, 2014 11:02