TOURMAG SAYI 17

Cappadocia the Region of Tourism
Great contribution
to economy from
balloon tours
The economic contribution of the tourists,
who are participating in the hot air balloon
tours in Cappadocia and watching the
region's historical, cultural and natural
beauties from the bird's eye view, was
about 70 million Euros last year. Balloon
tours, which have attracted more attention
every year and become the locomotive
of Cappadocia tourism in recent
years, offer a unique experience to local
and foreign tourists who come to see the
natural beauty of the region.
The balloons soaring in the sky one after
the other in the early hours of the morning
when weather conditions are convenient,
add a different harmony to the unique view
of the region. By the tours organized by 25
companies operating in the region, balloons
soar to the sky with the first lights of the
morning. In the area where 100 balloons are
allowed to fly at the same time, another
50 balloons can be raised later in the
day depending on demand and weather
conditions. In the region which became the
center of the hot air balloon sector, the average
price of one-hour balloon tour varies
between 120-170 Euros per person.
BECAME A SECTOR ALL BY ITSELF
Mustafa Durmaz, President of Göreme Tour-
ism Development Cooperative, said that the
most demanded balloon flights in different
countries are in Cappadocia. During the tour,
the beautiful colors of the balloons gives
a novel touch to the landscape. Mustafa
Durmaz, continued as follows: "The year
2018 was excellent for tourism and the
balloon sector in Cappadocia. 90 percent
of the guests want to ride the balloon. For
those who could not ride the balloon due to
the weather conditions in the recent months,
additional flights were organized at different
times during the day to meet this need.
The balloon became a sector of itself. It contributes
greatly to the economy, also creates
employment in the region. In addition to the
pilot, a wide team consists of ground crew
and service staff is available."
Record tourist increase in Cappadocia
There is a record increase in the number of people coming to
see Turkey's tourism center Cappadocia that is known for its
natural, historical, and cultural richness. The number of tourists
visiting the region in 2018 increased by 34 percent compared to
the previous year and became 2 million 949 thousand 542.
In 2018, Cappadocia hosted the most visitors in August with
the number of 412 thousand 559. Göreme Open Air Museum,
which is one of the most popular touristic areas in the region,
is visited by 1 million 105 thousand 693 tourists, Kaymaklı
Underground City 532 thousand 396, Hacıbektaş Veli Museum
443 thousand 160, and Derinkuyu Underground City 381
thousand 726 local and foreign tourists.
MORE THAN 3 MILLION TOURISTS ARE EXPECTED IN 2019
Yunus Ünal, President of Chamber of Tourist Guides, stated that
the number of tourists coming to the region is expected to increase
in 2019, and that if the accommodation facilities in the province
are insufficient, the visitors can be brought to Cappadocia after
spending the night in the nearby cities and continued as follows:
"Cappadocia is one of Turkey's most important tourism destinations.
Around 3 million tourists visited the region last year. Tourists
visiting the region participated in various activities. In 2019, we
expect more than 3 million tourists. We believe that Cappadocia
will gain more momentum in the tourism sector next season."
64 Ocak / Şubat / Mart | 2019
January / February / March