Cappadocia: Hot air balloon centre of world

Cappadocia is a very popular tourist destination as well as among the most important hot air balloon centers in the world. Funda Aktan, President of Cappadocia Air Balloon Commission, told Anadolu Agency that hot air balloon trips took place since 1997 and two accidents occurred resulting in death since then. Stating that there were 21 licensed firms in Cappadocia, Aktan said, "The biggest and safest hot air balloon sector is in Cappadocia and no other place in the world has the capacity to fly over 90 balloons and carry 1,500 passengers every morning." "The first accident that resulted in death occurred in 2009 in Avanos district of Nevsehir where one tourist died and ten others were injured. The second accident occurred recently, three people lost their lives and 22 were injured. The occurrence of only two accidents in such a popular place is a good indication of the safety measures taken in this region," she noted. Stating that accidents occurred due to adverse air conditions or pilot faults, Aktan said, "There are no accidents reported that took place due to equipage or lack of maintenance. General Directorate of Civil Aviation regularly and carefully inspects the sector."