Uber Balloon takes flight in UNESCO World Heritage site

Image credit: Uber

Uber is travelling to new heights with the launch of Uber Balloon in the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site, Göreme National Park.

Adventure-seeking riders can embark on a sunrise hot air balloon trip by booking directly through the Uber app using Uber Reserve.

Departing from the ancient village of Göreme in Cappadocia, the balloon rides will take passengers on a 1.5-hour journey through the park's stunning landscapes, renowned for its unique rock formations known as "fairy chimneys" and intricate architecture carved into limestone. From an elevation of 3,000 feet, riders will have unparalleled views of dawn.

To celebrate the launch, Uber Balloon is offering 100 complimentary flights, allowing lucky riders to experience this once-in-a-lifetime adventure at no cost. The regular cost per person for the balloon trip is €150. Riders can anticipate a full-service experience, which includes door-to-door transportation from their hotel lobby to the skies above.

Turkey has witnessed a significant surge in Uber riders over the past year, with international trips increasing by more than 30%. With nearly 26 million people using the app for ride requests in 2023 alone and operating in nine cities, including major urban hubs Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, as well as the tourist hotspot of Antalya, Uber has forged partnerships with over 38,000 taxi drivers. The app has witnessed an increase of over 50% in the number of trips since 2022.

It is important to note that availability of Uber Balloon rides will be contingent upon weather conditions, and riders are advised to book in advance using the Uber Reserve function in the app, at least 12 hours before their desired departure time. Additionally, the complimentary hot air balloon rides will be limited to a maximum of four people per day until the promotion ends on 19 November.

Anabel Diaz, Uber Vice President, EMEA Mobility, said: “The addition of hot air balloon rides to the Uber app is the latest in our ‘Go Anywhere’ travel series. It follows the launch of many other multimodal and bucket-list travel experiences, including Uber Boat in Mykonos and Uber Sleigh in Lapland, as well as flights, trains, coaches and even hotels all available to book directly via the Uber app.”