Ghana’s tourism industry is set to receive a massive boost with the introduction of Cowbell’s balloon project which has been dubbed ‘Cowbell in the Sky’ by Promasidor Ghana Ltd.
The project which has seen the introduction of the first hot air balloon in the country is aimed at not just enhancing tourism but also recreation and business in Ghana.
Some lucky Ghanaians had the opportunity to view some iconic sites in the country from the skies from May 12 to May 19 as the balloon embarked on its maiden flight in the country.
Among the sites the balloon was flown are the Elmina Castle, Lou Moon Lodge, Zaina Lodge – Mole National Park, Cape Coast Castle, GOPDC Plantation, Shai Hills and Royal Senchi Hotel.
Promasidor Ghana Ltd is urging Ghanaians to watch out for the next tour of the hot air balloon which will be in October this year.
Some Ghanaians would also be trained in due time to operate the hot air balloons as Promasidor looks forward to increasing the number in the country.
The hot air balloon is an aircraft consisting of a large bag, called an envelope, which contains heated air. Suspended beneath this is a gondola or wicker basket, which carries both passengers and a source of fuel to burn in order to heat up the air in the envelope.
The heated air inside the envelope causes the balloon to fly since it has a lower density than the colder air outside the envelope.
The first passenger-carrying hot air balloon was built by the brothers; Josef and Etienne Montgolfier in France in 1783. Since then, hot air balloons have been used for transportation and recreation all over the world.