The Taitung Luye Hot Air Balloon Festival has kicked off, becoming a popular summer family travel destination. The Taitung County Government announced today that the International Hot Air Balloon Festival is making its fifth appearance, inviting performance balloons from various countries to Taiwan. Following the “Zebra” and “Stork” balloons, the “Sun” and “Strawberry” balloons will make their first appearances today, expected to become eye-catching highlights at the event.
Typhoon Chan-hom has moved away, clearing the skies over Taitung’s Luye Plateau after days of overcast weather, allowing visitors to enjoy a beautiful morning and the “Sun” balloon’s first public appearance in Taiwan.
The Taitung County Government stated that the International Hot Air Balloon Festival has attracted both domestic and international tourists over the past five years, successfully boosting Taitung’s tourism industry. This year, the county government has elevated the festival to an international level, aiming to draw more foreign visitors to experience the thrill of hot air ballooning and the cultural charm of Taitung.
Officials pointed out that the Taitung Hot Air Balloon Festival has drawn many visitors in previous years, and this year’s most notable highlight is that Hong Kong has taken notice of Taiwan’s Taitung—renowned for its stunning landscapes and the highly successful hot air balloon festival—and has launched direct chartered flights to Taitung during the summer, offering a chance to witness the colorful balloons and the beauty of Taitung.
On the inaugural direct flight from Hong Kong to Taitung, 104 Hong Kong tourists were among the first to arrive. Many were visiting Taitung for the first time, and even more were experiencing a hot air balloon ride for the very first time. Their anticipation was mixed with excitement, and they described the hot air balloon experience as “full of surprises.”
Officials noted that the 2015 Taiwan International Hot Air Balloon Festival has condensed its schedule into 44 days, featuring 10 major themed activities. It also incorporates a light and music show, inviting performance groups to put on shows against the backdrop of hot air balloons, creating a visually and sonically spectacular event to make Luye Plateau shine this summer.
These ten major themed activities include: in addition to “Free Flight Sightseeing,” “Hot Air Balloon Tethered Experience,” “Walk into a Hot Air Balloon,” and “Hot Air Balloon Free Flight Performance,” there are also new additions such as the “Themed Balloon Debut Party,” “Love & Romance ~ Proposal Arrangements/Wedding Photography,” “Love ~ Reliving Happy Memories,” “Waiting ~ For Happiness to Arrive,” “Frame the Moment ~ Happy Photo Opportunities,” and “E-card in Hand ~ Experience Tethered Hot Air Balloon Rides.”
To alleviate traffic congestion and make it easier for the public to reach Luye Plateau for the “2015 Taiwan International Hot Air Balloon Festival,” arrangements have been made to coordinate with Taiwan Railways to add stops at Luye Station, followed by shuttle buses to the festival site. Additionally, extra interval trains have been scheduled from Taitung to Luye Station, or visitors can take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle within downtown Taitung.