ORIENTAL Ballooning Company is expanding into two new destinations this year, Mrauk U and Ngapali Beach, as business continues to be brisk with the continuous growth of tourist arrivals to Myanmar.
Operations manager Ni Ni Khaing told TTG Asia e-Daily that hot air balloon flights will take off in Ngapali Beach and Rakhine state’s Mrauk U in October.
“We did test flights in January in both Ngapali and Mrauk U. It’s a new experience, especially the view of Ngapali Beach – it’s spectacular,” she said. “We hope the new service in Rakhine state will draw more tourists to the region.”
TTG Asia e-Daily understands that Oriental Ballooning Company is waiting for the Department of Civil Aviation to give the green light for flights and prices. The company has also asked for permission to continue flights in Bagan during off-peak season.
Said Ni Ni Khaing: “During the monsoon period, Bagan is green and looks different from peak season. There isn’t as much rain there as in the lower part of Myanmar and weather conditions are favourable for flights, according to the test flights we did last year.”
The company has total of eight balloons: six in Bagan, one each in Mandalay and Inle Lake.
