66 Hot Air Balloons Decorate the Skies of Luxor, Carrying 1,500 Tourists
Hot Air Balloons Soar Over Luxor
Egypt’s tourism industry witnessed a major boost on Saturday 22/04/2023 when as many as 66 hot air balloons decorated the skies of the ancient city of Luxor. The balloons carried 1,500 tourists of different nationalities, providing them with a mesmerizing aerial view of the city’s iconic landmarks.
Tourists of Different Nationalities Enjoy an Aerial View of Luxor
The hot air balloons flew over Luxor’s famous Karnak Temple and Hatshepsut Temple before moving towards the Valley of the Kings, providing tourists with a breathtaking view of the ancient monuments. Tourists of different nationalities, including Chinese, German, and American, marveled at the stunning view and captured the moment through their cameras.
According to the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the 66 balloons were in line with international safety standards, and tourists started embarking on the balloons from dawn until 8:00 am. The balloons soared as high as 2,000 feet, and the breathtaking view of the sunrise and the city of Luxor left visitors with lasting memories.
One of the tourists, Mrs. Li, an accountant in a Chinese company, stated, “this was my first time to come to Egypt, and the view of the ancient temples floating over the city in a hot air balloon was something that will stay with me forever.”
A Boost to the Tourism Industry
The event marked a significant boost to the tourism industry, which has been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The tourism sector has been a crucial source of revenue for Egypt, contributing over 15% to the country’s GDP.
Tourism Minister Khaled Al-Anani, who was present during the event, expressed his satisfaction with the great turnout of tourists and praised the organizers of the event for ensuring the highest safety standards.
“The event is a vote of confidence for Egypt and its capability to attract tourists from all over the world. We hope to have more events like this in the future to showcase our rich cultural heritage,” said Al-Anani.
A Safe and Secure Experience for Tourists
The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and balloon operators ensured strict adherence to safety protocols, including testing the balloons for leaks in the presence of specialists, ensuring the availability of first aid equipment, and briefing passengers on safety measures.
The Ministry also stressed the importance of following preventive measures against COVID-19 during the event, such as wearing masks and maintaining social distancing.
The End of a Memorable Experience
The hot air balloons started landing at around 9:00 am, and the tourists disembarked, tired but exhilarated after the memorable experience. Many expressed their gratitude towards the organizers and Egypt’s hospitality.
The event was an exceptional opportunity for tourists to experience the beauty of Luxor and its ancient landmarks from a unique perspective, one that will surely stay with them forever. The successful event marked a pivotal moment in the recovery of Egypt’s tourism industry, and we hope for more such events to restore the former glory of Egypt’s tourism sector.
