18 countries’ shaped hot air balloons soar over Cappadocia, Turkiye
Hot air balloons with figures from various countries participating in the "Nevsehir Culture Route Festival" organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism flew in the skies of Cappadocia, Türkiye, August 8, 2024 (AA Photo)
“Nevsehir Culture Route Festival,” organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, turned the skies of Cappadocia into a vibrant display with figure-shaped hot air balloons from 18 countries.
The Nevsehir Culture Route Festival, the seventh stage of Türkiye’s Culture Route Festivals this year, is bringing various events to the city.
As part of this year’s second edition of the festival, the region, known for its extensive hot air balloon tours, saw balloons in shapes like a frog, elephant, turtle, rocket, heart, wolf, and windmill floating over the fairy chimneys.
As the balloons prepared for takeoff at dawn, spectators at the festival site were treated to a visual spectacle with balloons from Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Brazil, England, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Lithuania, North Macedonia, Moldova, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Switzerland.
Nevsehir Governor Ali Fidan reported that nearly 500 events are being held as part of the festival.
He noted that the balloon-related events have created colorful scenes, saying, “Cappadocia is one of the most important regions for hot air ballooning. Last year, 615,000 people participated in balloon tours, and this year we are seeing a 30% increase in passenger numbers. Balloon tours contribute significantly to the promotion of our province and the development of tourism.”
Mehmet Halis Aydogan, President of the Anatolian Hot Air Balloon Operators Association, highlighted Cappadocia’s recognition not only for its historical, cultural, and natural beauties but also for its hot air balloon tourism.
He stated, “Every day, 150 balloons fly in Cappadocia, which is the world’s center for ballooning. We can confidently say that this region is the epicenter of global ballooning. In a few years, Cappadocia will also host the world’s largest balloon festival.”
The figure-shaped balloon flights at the Nevsehir Culture Route Festival will continue every morning at sunrise until August 11.
