Wednesday, January 8, 2025 Türkiye’s hot air balloon tourism is set to scale new heights, with projections estimating nearly two million passengers by 2030, driven by expanded routes and innovative tourism initiatives. This optimistic outlook was shared by Firuz Baglikaya, head of the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TURSAB), signaling an exciting future for the country’s adventure tourism. The year 2024 marked a significant milestone in Türkiye’s hot air balloon tourism, with 933,000 tourists soaring above the country’s scenic landscapes.
Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu announced this achievement, reflecting the growing global fascination with Türkiye’s unique blend of natural wonders and cultural heritage. Central to this growth is the ambitious Century of Tourism initiative, launched to boost year-round tourism across Türkiye’s diverse regions. This project targets visitors seeking exclusive and immersive experiences, emphasizing the country’s untapped potential.
One of the initiative’s standout attractions is Lake Salda, often compared to the Maldives for its azure waters and pristine white sands. Beyond its visual allure, the lake holds scientific significance, being recognized by NASA as a terrestrial counterpart to Mars’ Jezero Crater, believed to have harbored water in ancient times. Cappadocia, famous for its fairy chimneys and otherworldly vistas, has long been the epicenter of hot air balloon tourism in T.