ቱርክዬ፡ ሙቅ አየር ፊኛ ቱሪዝም እ.ኤ.አ. በ2 2030 ሚሊዮን ተሳፋሪዎችን ኢላማ ያደርጋል፣ ከቀጰዶቅያ ባሻገር እንደ ሳልዳ ሐይቅ ያሉ ታዋቂ መዳረሻዎችም ይዘልቃል።

ሐሙስ, ጥር 9, 2025

Hot air balloon tourism in Türkiye is set for significant growth, with the potential to attract 2 million passengers annually by 2030. According to Firuz Baglikaya, head of the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TURSAB), this ambitious target is driven by the introduction of new routes and initiatives under the Century of Tourism project.

In an interview with Anadolu, Baglikaya highlighted the success of hot air balloon tourism, which attracted 933,000 passengers in 2024. The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, aims to diversify tourism offerings across Türkiye while appealing to high-income travelers.

Lake Salda: The Next Big Destination

As part of the Century of Tourism project, the promotion of hot air balloon tours over Lake Salda is gaining momentum. Known for its striking turquoise waters and white shores, Lake Salda has earned the nickname “Türkiye’s Maldives.”

According to NASA, the lake’s unique minerals and deltas are comparable to those found at Mars’ Jezero Crater, thought to have hosted a sprawling lake in the past. This scientific and natural significance makes Lake Salda an ideal location for hot air balloon tourism, blending adventure with education.

Baglikaya emphasized that the new routes aim to showcase Türkiye’s diverse landscapes to a global audience, increasing the country’s year-round tourism potential. Travel agencies are being tasked with expanding promotional efforts for Lake Salda to attract more visitors seeking scenic and sustainable travel experiences.

Cappadocia: The Centerpiece of Balloon Tourism

Cappadocia remains the heart of Türkiye’s hot air balloon tourism, accounting for 80% of flights nationwide. Known for its fairy chimneys, rock formations, and ancient cave dwellings, Cappadocia provides an unforgettable backdrop for sunrise flights, drawing adventure enthusiasts and photographers from around the world.

Hot air ballooning in Cappadocia began gaining popularity in the 1980s and has since become a cornerstone of the region’s tourism economy. Today, 71 hot air balloon operators authorized by Türkiye’s Civil Aviation Directorate operate tours across eight regions, ensuring safety and high standards for passengers.

These sunrise flights over Cappadocia’s dramatic landscapes are not only an adventure but also a cultural experience, offering views of the region’s historical sites and natural wonders.

The Century of Tourism Project: Expanding Routes

The Century of Tourism project, launched in Burdur, southwestern Türkiye, aims to diversify the country’s tourism offerings beyond traditional hotspots. The initiative includes new routes for hot air balloon tours, targeting high-income visitors and promoting year-round tourism across all regions.

Lake Salda is a key focus area, but other regions are also being explored for their potential. The inclusion of these lesser-known destinations aligns with Türkiye’s broader strategy of creating sustainable and balanced tourism development.

ኢኮኖሚያዊ ተፅእኖ እና ዘላቂነት

Hot air balloon tourism is a significant contributor to Türkiye’s tourism revenue, particularly in Cappadocia. By expanding routes to include destinations like Lake Salda, the government aims to distribute economic benefits more evenly across the country.

Sustainability is a key consideration in this expansion. Balloon operators are encouraged to adopt eco-friendly practices, minimizing their environmental impact while showcasing Türkiye’s natural beauty. Lake Salda, for example, is a protected area, and tourism activities are carefully regulated to preserve its unique ecosystem.

Future Potential: A Global Appeal

By targeting 2 million passengers annually, Türkiye is positioning itself as a global leader in hot air balloon tourism. The combination of established destinations like Cappadocia with emerging hotspots like Lake Salda creates a diverse portfolio of experiences that appeal to a wide range of travelers.

This growth is further supported by Türkiye’s strategic location, connecting Europe and Asia, and its robust tourism infrastructure. Hot air balloon tourism, as a niche market, offers a unique way to explore the country’s landscapes and cultural heritage, setting Türkiye apart from other travel destinations.

Hot air balloon tourism in Türkiye is on the rise, with ambitious plans to attract 2 million passengers by 2030. While Cappadocia remains the centerpiece of this industry, new routes over destinations like Lake Salda are expanding the country’s offerings, promoting year-round and sustainable tourism.

By blending adventure, natural beauty, and cultural heritage, Türkiye’s hot air balloon experiences are set to captivate global travelers, solidifying the country’s position as a premier destination for adventure tourism. This growth reflects a broader strategy to diversify and sustain Türkiye’s tourism economy, ensuring its appeal to future generations.