Uber launches option for passengers to fly in a balloon in Cappadocia – 10/23/2023 – Market

The region of Cappadocia, in Turkey, which has even served as the setting for a Brazilian soap opera, inspired Uber to launch Uber Balão — collective rides in a hot air balloon that can be booked directly in the company’s app, through the function Uber Reserve.

The Uber Balloon offers tours in an area that is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At dawn, the balloons will depart from Goreme, Cappadocia, taking passengers on a 1h30 flight through Goreme National Park, famous for its “fairy chimneys” and architecture carved into the limestone.

The idea is that travelers can see the dawn landscape from 3,000 feet up. The adventure can be booked directly in the app using Uber Reserve from this Monday (23).

The reservation includes the complete journey between the hotel lobby and the Cappadocia sky. Trips will cost 150 euros (around R$800) per person, and one hundred free flights were available to celebrate the launch.

The resource arrives in time for the balloon season in the region, with millions of tourists expected to visit the region between October and November.

Turkey has become an increasingly popular destination for Uber customers — trips by international users increased by more than 30% last year and nearly 26 million people opened the app to request a ride in 2023. Uber operates in nine cities in Turkey, including its three most populous cities, Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir.

“Turkey is one of our most popular destinations for international travelers and this is yet another way for them to use our app to have a magical experience when visiting the country. We’re always looking for new ways to add a little Uber magic to your holiday. people, so stay tuned for more experiences coming to the app next year,” says Anabel Diaz, vice president of mobility at Uber in Europe.

The addition of balloon rides to the app is the latest in a series of new travel features created by Uber. Recently, the company added Uber Boat in Mykonos, Greece, and Uber Trenó in Lapland.

Availability of trips on Uber Balão will be limited and subject to weather conditions. Users who wish to book a flight can do so in advance using the Uber Reserve function in the app, at least 12 hours before departure. The tours run until November 19th.