
Oman launches its first tourist hot air balloon project in Turkiye
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman has launched its first tourist hot air balloon within the "Oman Balloons" project in Cappadocia, the Republic of Turkiye, as part of the promotional phase of the project.
This initiative comes within the efforts of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism to develop and diversify the tourism product while strengthening Oman's position as a unique regional and international destination.
The project aims to attract international expertise in hot air balloon tourism and localize it in Oman, contributing to the growth of tourism experiences and providing new options for both domestic and international tourists. It also aligns with the ministry's support for private sector-led tourism initiatives and enhances public-private partnerships to achieve tourism development goals.
"Oman Balloon No. 1" will begin its first flights within the Sultanate of Oman from the Wilayat of Bidiyah in North Al Sharqiyah Governorate, offering a unique experience to explore breathtaking landscapes from the sky, showcasing Oman's diverse tourism attractions.
The balloon has been approved by the Civil Aviation Authority in Oman and features a design suitable for Omani weather conditions, with a capacity of up to 20 passengers in addition to the technical crew consisting of a pilot and an assistant.
The "Oman Balloons" project is one of the qualitative initiatives supported by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism due to its active role in promoting experiential tourism and providing panoramic views of tourist sites. This contributes to highlighting Oman's natural and cultural richness from an innovative perspective while attracting a broader segment of visitors seeking unique travel experiences.
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