Hot air balloons are seen in Cappadocia, Türkiye on Oct. 9, 2024. (Photo: Xinhua)

 

Hot air balloons are seen in Cappadocia, Türkiye on Oct. 9, 2024. (Photo: Xinhua)

 

Hot air balloons are seen in Cappadocia, Türkiye on Oct. 9, 2024. (Photo: Xinhua)

 

Hot air balloons are seen in Cappadocia, Türkiye on Oct. 9, 2024. (Photo: Xinhua)

 
A record number of tourists is expected to participate in Türkiye's hot air balloon trips this year, reflecting significant growth in the sector, according to government officials and industry experts.

Abdulkadir Uraloglu, Türkiye's transport and infrastructure minister, recently announced that 700,000 tourists have taken to the skies in hot air balloons since the beginning of the year. This figure is rapidly approaching the previous record of 750,000 set in 2022.

"Türkiye now conducts the world's largest commercial hot air balloon operation in terms of both traffic volume and number of days flown," Uraloglu told the semi-official Anadolu news agency.

According to official figures, there are 67 licensed hot air balloon companies and six approved training organizations currently operating in Türkye. These companies operate 434 balloons and employ 682 balloon pilots.

Cappadocia, famous for its distinctive rock formations and ancient cave dwellings, accounts for 80 percent of all balloon excursions in the country. The region's unique topography and favorable climate allow for flights on up to 250 days per year, with about 150 flights organized daily at sunrise.

Halis Aydogan, a veteran pilot and founder of Cappadocia Voyager Balloons, the region's leading tour company, confirmed the industry's robust growth. "Cappadocia has become by far the premier ballooning destination worldwide," Aydogan told Xinhua.

The surge in balloon tourism has had a ripple effect on the local economy, boosting related industries such as hospitality and tour services. Some operators even offer sky-high wedding ceremonies for adventurous couples.

This year's growth has been particularly fueled by an influx of Chinese tourists. Irfan Karsli, head of the Istanbul-based Ligarba Travel Agency, noted that Chinese visitor numbers have doubled compared to last year.

Official data from the Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry show that 230,000 Chinese tourists visited Türkiye in the first seven months of 2024, a 102.4 percent increase year-on-year.

Industry insiders attribute this surge to improved direct flight connections between major Chinese cities and Istanbul, coupled with favorable visa policies and competitive pricing.

"Around 65,000 Chinese visitors have taken part in balloon rides this year. This a very significant increase from last year, and has affected the tourism in the region favorably," Aydogan said.