Mumbai Embraces Hot Air Balloon Safari

Mumbai Embraces Hot Air Balloon Safari

Mumbai, October, 2013: Romanticizing in air is not a fable, floating in the clouds is not a dream and experiencing solitude & stillness in air is not fairytale. India’s only commercial hot air ballooning organization, Sky Waltz, in association with Government of Maharashtra and Rainbow Riderss today announced the launch of Hot Air Ballooning in Lonavala from 29^th October, 2013. Hot Air Ballooning has taken the tourism industry of Rajasthan by storm and is now ready to set ablaze the tourism industry of Maharashtra.  

Initially there will be one balloon with carrying capacity of 8 passengers. Priced at INR 12,000 per head, the ride lasts for approximately one hour but the whole experience lasts for approximately three hours – from pick up to drop back. As Hot Air Ballooning is seasonal and dependent on wind movement, the first year will have flights from November 2013 to mid April 2014. However, by middle of September, the weather is conducive to start flights.  From the base at Lonavala, the balloon will be airborne twice a day at sunrise and late afternoon / early evening.  

The launch of Hot Air Ballooning Safari in Mumbai was announced by Shri. Chhagan Bhujbal, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Government of Maharashtra, in the presence of Dr. Jagdish Patil, Hon’ble, Managing Director, MTDC (Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation), Mr. Samit Garg, Founder & CEO – Sky Waltz, Jai Thakore, Founder & COO – Sky Waltz, Mr. Sangram Pawar, Director – Rainbow Riderss.

Announcing the launch of Hot Air Ballooning in Mumbai, Shri Chhagan Bhujbal, Hon’ble Minister of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra, said, “Increasing tourism footfalls across the country in the past decades has provided an impetus to not only the development but also the introduction of innovative & exciting tourism products.  The Indian Tourism Industry expanding exponentially and both, the State and National Governments are looking to introduce and promote Aero-Sports/Adventure Tourism.”

According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the direct contribution of the tourism industry to the country’s GDP is expected to grow by 7.7% per annum to INR 3, 805.2 billion by 2022 with Maharashtra, at present, attracting the highest number of tourists to the country per year, i.e. approx 60.14 million.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Samit Garg, Founder & CEO – Sky Waltz, said, “In the last few years, we have seen an exponential growth in the demand for Hot Air Ballooning. This clearly reflects the embracing nature of adventure tourism and sports. Our partnership with Rainbow Riderss will enable enthusiasts of Maharashtra and neighbouring states to experience the thrill of Hot Air Ballooning in Lonavala.”

Echoing Samit Garg’s sentiment, Dr. Jagdish Patil, Managing Director, MTDC (Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation) said, “Maharashtra boasts of more than 5.2 million foreign tourists setting foot in the state each year. The state offers numerous popular and adventure spots frequented not only by the locals but also others.” He further added, “Hot Air Ballooning is a well established and highly successful adventure sport globally that has been successfully incorporated into India’s Tourism environment.”

Mr. Sangram Pawar, Director – Rainbow Riderss, the official franchise partners for Sky Waltz, catering to the Maharashtra region said, “The Government of Maharashtra is exploring and adding new dimensions to the area of tourism and highlighting more destinations on the map to boost tourism in the state.”

Franchise partners Rainbow Riderss has embarked on extensive marketing to promote Hot Air Ballooning as an adventure sport. The growing popularity of hot air ballooning can be gauged from the fact that 93.5 FM and Girikand Cars & Coaches have already come on board as radio and travel partners for the season.

About Sky Waltz Balloon Safari:

Sky Waltz is the first and the largest licensed and approved commercial Hot Air Balloon operator in India, authorized by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) - Government of India. Sky Waltz Balloon Safari is a new and exciting Tourism and Corporate based product that is offering both Indian and Foreign Nationals a unique and memorable experience. After commencing its operations in 5 locations in Rajasthan, Sky Waltz has now launched its operations in PUNE / LONAVALA / MUMBAI.