PANJIM: With less two months remaining for the tourism season to open, the Tourism department has shortlisted four boarding points for hot air balloon rides as it plans to start this on October 1. Officials say the launch points near Morjim, Selaulim dam, Cabo De Rama and Quitol are subject to changes depending on the weather conditions.
“These locations have been shortlisted and will be finalized after assessing various factors. It may change as a lot will depend on wind direction and speed,” Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) deputy general manager Gavin Dias told Herald.
The adventure tour will begin with two big sized balloons called Z180 and Z250. Dias explained that the numbers 180 and 250 indicate the volume of air the balloons contain. “Z180 can take seven to eight passengers at a time while Z250 has a capacity to carry 10-12 passengers,” he added.
The duration of the flights would be approximately 45 minutes to one hour, depending on the wind speed and available landing spots. Coming to its rates and packages, the department has fixed regular tariff of Rs 9,900 per person for a flight of one hour. Dias said they have an introductory offer for one month giving a 40 percent discount with the tariff being at Rs 6,000. These charges are for the ‘free floating flights’.
“We are also planning to introduce the ‘tethered flights’ where the hot air balloon is guided by a rope to a height of 100-150 ft. This guided flight takes places at the same location and the rides last for duration of 5-10 minutes,” he added.
For ‘exclusive flight for two,’ which is usually chosen for special occasions like engagement or marriage, Indians will be charged Rs 49,990, while foreign nationals will have to pay $790. The packages comprise insurance with other international standards of safety and security.
Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar had launched the ambitious adventure along with another service – Amphibious Vehicle – on May 9 on a trial basis. “The service is safe and all measures have been taken to ensure the safety and security of the passengers. There are only two agencies in the country having Director General of Civil Aviation permissions and this company (Delhi-based Camping Retreats of India Pvt Ltd) which will be operating Hot Air Balloons in Goa is one of them,” he said.
In a list of do’s and don’ts, the tourism department has also released a list of safety tips such as dressing comfortably, avoid bringing pets, etc.
