From minivans to sleds, Uber continues to find new ways to transport its 131 million customers around the world. But if you’re afraid of heights, the company’s latest transportation option may not be for you.
“Uber Balloons” will launch a 1.5-hour hot air balloon ride in Goreme National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Cappadocia, Turkey.
The trip, which is expected to cost $159 per passenger, will depart at sunrise and take passengers more than 3,000 feet in the air, the company said said in a statement.
“What better way to help people truly travel with Uber than by offering one of the world’s most iconic travel experiences on our app,” said Anabel Diaz, Uber’s vice president of global mobility. To anywhere?”
“Turkey is one of our most popular destinations for international travelers and this is a new way to use our app to have a magical experience while visiting the country. “
Sleigh rides and “Coronation Carriage”
The launch of Uber Balloon marks the company’s latest unique transportation option as it seeks to expand internationally to attract local markets and tourists.
Uber users in Europe can already use the booking feature to book a boat ride on the Greek island of Mykonos or a sleigh ride in Lapland. To commemorate King Charles III’s accession to the throne in May, the company has even launched its own “coronation carriage” Let users ride like royalty.
The company said Uber Balloons can be booked through the company’s Uber Reserve app, underscoring its growing presence in Turkey, where international rides increased 30% last year.
Cappadocia is one of Turkey’s most popular tourist destinations, known for its unique rocky terrain. According to statistics, nearly one-tenth of Turkey’s 51.4 million tourists last year came from this region. data from the country’s Ministry of Tourism.
Turkey aims to attract 60 million tourists in 2023, a significant increase from last year’s near-record numbers, and hopes a new partnership with Uber will make it easier for tourists to travel in Cappadocia.
The ride-hailing and delivery service company continues to look for new ways to expand as it distances itself from rival Lyft on both fronts. market share and Valuation.
In addition to tourist-focused services like hot air balloon rides, Uber has updated its everyday uses to appeal to a wider customer base.
In May, the group began to provide ride services to the following people 13 to 17 years oldwhich will enable parents to track their children’s journey while offering enhanced security features such as a password verification system and voice recording.
The company also added more features in June to help customers get from airport entrances to security gates on their own, and expanded the use of Uber Reserve.
CEO Khosrowshahi even worked part-time as a passenger and delivery driver for Uber’s “Project Boomerang” to better understand how the company can attract more drivers while enhancing the customer experience.
He told wall street journal He noted that drivers are often attacked and decried the cumbersome registration process and anxiety about maintaining high ratings.
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