Visit To Turkey

The balloon sport, whose initial existence in the world reaches to the end of 18th century, is also rapidly drawing attention in our country. For long years, as well as being performed with the aim of individual sports, city tours with balloons are also performed during regional activities in touristic regions of our country.

These balloons take off when heated liquid propane gas filled into it. You can stay on air for long periods with a calm flight under appropriate wind (under 10 km/h). Directing the balloon, when its flight altitude is within appropriate range (which is between 500 - 1500 feet), altitude gain and loss and any change its speed can be made easily by an experienced pilot.

Structure of the Balloon

There are propane gas tubes, an altimeter, a thermometer, a wireless for communication with airport, a variometer and fire extinguishers in the basket, manufactured from "vimin", which is a light and synthetic material, whose function is to carry and support the passangers of the balloon.

The propane tubes, each weighing approximately 20 kg are located within the basket. These tubes contain propane gas which maintains how much the balloons expand. Each tube providess approximately 40 - 45 minutes of flight possibility to the balloon. The total lifting force of the balloon is around 1.700 pounds.

The take off of the balloon is achieved with the heating of propane gas filled into the balloon via furnaces under it. Furnaces can be 2 or 3 pieces, according to the volume of the balloon. The temperature within the balloon should never exceed 120 degrees.

During the landing of the balloon, a red rope is pulled within it. In this way, activated falling valve ensures that the air within it runs out rapidly. In case of insufficiency of emptying speed of the internal air, an emergency hole at the top of the balloon is opened.

Flight Rules for Foreigners

Prior to the flight in the balloon, the flight aim, the flight date, the flight hour and the flight region must be informed and applied to Ministry of Communication, Civil Aviation General Directorate.

In case of a flight in a balloon exceeding 15 days in our country; licenses of foreign pilots should be validated by Ministry of Communication, Civil Aviation General Directorate.

Adress :Ulastirma Bakanligi
Sivil Havacilik Genel Mudurlugu
Bosna Hersek cad. No:5 06338
Emek-ANKARA
Tel: (312)212 1430
Fax: (312)212 4684

Golf, a developed branch of sports in western countries, in which high-income groups take a greater interest, has recently begun to spread and to be popular across the world. Our country has suitable conditions for this sport. The availability of large space suitable for golf, and the temperate climate of the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts, create a great potential for Golf Tourism. Studies show that there are approximately 37 million golfers in the world and that the number of people playing golf in Europe grows by about 20% a year. Considering that most of the people who are interested in this sport tend to visit the golf courses of other countries as well, our country may be visited by a large number of golfers in the near future.

Our Ministry attaches importance to developing the golf tourism opportunities available in Turkey, and it opens golf courses for which planning work is complete to investors. In recent years, as more and more golf courses with international standards have opened up, Turkey has become an elite golfing centre where players from around the world can meet in an environment of quality and prestige. Especially the area of Belek, 30km east of Antalya, there is a potential for golf tourism with the unique bonus of the cultural, historical and natural sightseeing of the region. Top-class courses are also being planned for Istanbul, Ankara and Muğla.

In Turkey, most courses are in the vicinity of tourist resorts, around the coastal regions which have the necessary facilities like accommodation, restaurants and entertainment. The Ministry of Tourism plans to establish another 11 golf courses in these tourist areas.

Belek - Golf Tourism

Golfers, swimmers and sun-worshippers do not want to miss this modern holiday center and golf paradise, 30 km from Antalya. The National Golf Club located in Belek features a wide variety of water sports as well as a championship 18-hole golf course and 9-hole academy course.

Belek is Turkey's premier golf resort, but don't let that put you off as it also has plenty to attract the non-golfer too. The setting is spectacular with long, golden sandy beaches, and a backdrop of mountains. Belek has won awards for environmentally friendly development and there are many rare species of plant and wildlife indigenous to the area.