DENIZLI, Turkey
Colorful hot air balloons dotted the skies of Pamukkale, in southwestern Turkey, on Saturday morning as tourist activity resumed after a pause of more than five months due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The UNESCO World Heritage site in Denizli province is for its mineral-rich hot springs and white travertine terraces.
Hot air balloon tours, which provide an opportunity to appreciate the region’s herbarium splendor from above, were halted on March 15 as part of measures to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Pamukkale’s Kocacukur domain packed with tourists on Saturday morning, who covered their hot air balloon rides at dawn dressed in masks and following social distancing rules.
Muhammet Kaplan, who runs a hot air balloon agency, told Anadolu Agency that tour operators were pleased to restart operations after overcoming a complicated era of more than five months.
“There has been a growing interest in hot air balloon travel in Pamukkale. We all had to take a break because of the pandemic, but we can see the beautiful sunrise from the sky again,” Kaplan said.
“We are taking all the mandatory precautions. Disinfectants are used regularly, passengers cannot board without a mask, their temperature is controlled, and everyone will need to respect social distancing rules.
Maya Simone Acosta, a U. S. citizen who has run Turkey several times, shared her enthusiasm: “It’s lovely here; you can travel to Turkey without fear. Flying in those balloons is like a dream. It feels smart to float on the clouds. “
* Written through Erdogan Cagatay Zontur