Soğanlı Valley welcomes 450 times its population in tourists

Soğanlı Valley, dubbed the Entrance Gate of Cappadocia, attracted over 150 thousand local and foreign tourists this year, a significant number according to Kayseri Governor Gökmen Çiçek. With 150 households and a population of 350, Soğanlı witnessed an impressive influx of visitors. Yeşilhisar District Governor Ahmet Ali Altıntaş highlighted that more than 13 thousand tourists experienced the region from the sky through hot air balloon rides.

GOVERNOR GÖKMEN ÇİÇEK ATTACHES GREAT IMPORTANCE

While the regulatory and infrastructure efforts in Soğanlı Valley, prioritized by Governor Gökmen Çiçek since his appointment to Kayseri, proceed without interruption, the region undergoes a transformation marked by a surge in tourist activity. Visitors to the valley, where hot air balloons launch, also enjoy the opportunity to view cultural heritage sites from the air.

Yeşilhisar District Governor Ahmet Ali Altıntaş mentioned that around 13 thousand tourists have experienced Soğanlı Valley from the air since the commencement of balloon flights. He stated, "Thousands of tourists visit here annually, with 13 thousand people having taken balloon rides this year alone. This indicates that over 150 thousand tourists have explored the region, witnessing its numerous attractions. The majority of tourists in our country are international visitors. There are approximately 16-17 registered churches and around 80 unreconstructed churches in the area, along with numerous chapels, wineries, and residential outbuildings, all featuring rock carvings and integrated into fairy chimneys. We've established walking paths and conducted infrastructure improvements for visiting these sites. Lighting installations are currently in progress and expected to be completed within a month, making many locations easily accessible to visitors."