Hot Air Balloon Festival

TRANSCRIPT
Hot Air Balloon Festival

NARRATOR:
In southern Jordan, hot air balloons rise into the sky. This is Wadi Rum, a popular place for visitors. People are here for the annual Hot Air Balloon Festival. One of the pilots, Remko Wigger from the Netherlands, says Wadi Rum is the perfect place for this event.

SOUNDBITE - Remko Wigger:
"I think Wadi Rum is just the perfect area for flying balloons, and it's beautiful. If you look at the surroundings, it's perfect. People flying balloons, they are always looking for nice places to fly the balloons. And this is just perfect for flying. Absolutely brilliant."

NARRATOR:
This year, there are 20 balloons from different countries. Pilots come from places like Germany, Britain, Spain, Belgium, and the Netherlands. The festival also has other fun activities. There is paragliding and an air show by the Royal Jordanian Falcons. The event is part of a plan to promote tourism in this area.

SOUNDBITE – Nayef al-Fayez:
"With these events and activities, we shed light on the beautiful areas in Jordan, especially Wadi Rum."

NARRATOR:
It’s a good way to help tourists discover the beautiful views of Jordan.  And at this festival, people don’t just watch—they take part in the adventure.