Huíla hosts experimental paragliding flights

Huíla hosts experimental paragliding flights and is preparing to become a new extreme sports destination in Angola This week, the province of Huíla took a historic step towards diversifying its tourist offer by welcoming representatives from paragliding schools from Brazil and South Africa to carry out experimental flights. The initiative marks the beginning of a process that could transform the region into one of the main national destinations for practicing this extreme sport.

The tests began on Monday, with an experimental flight from Cristo Rei, in Lubango, considered a success by the pilots involved. Four athletes were on air, including Angolan Carlos Teixeira, currently the only active instructor in the country, with regular work at Barra do Kwanza. The moment was recorded on video and photo, highlighting the natural conditions of Huíla for the sport.

During the following days, the teams carried out technical assessments in Tundavala and Serra da Leba. Although the winds were not favorable for full flights, experts left a very positive opinion on the province's aerial, geographic and tourist potential. According to foreign pilots, the region has ideal conditions for the safe practice of paragliding, being an opportunity that Angola has not yet fully exploited, resulting so far in a loss of tourist revenue.

Infrastructures being studied to support sport
The provincial authorities are now studying the construction of a runway at Cristo Rei, on its back slope. The project envisages the creation of a compacted ramp, covered with bituminous board and covered with synthetic grass, ensuring safety and stability for practitioners.
The landing site must be located close to the Tundavala Stadium, in an area that will be fenced and organized to avoid risks to the resident population.

The objective is to provide Huíla with an approved infrastructure, capable of hosting national and international events, placing the province on the world map of adventure sports.

TAAG involved in promoting and attracting tourists
The initiative is being promoted by TAAG, as part of the strategy of attracting more tourists and promoting new routes that can serve this niche market. The company intends to use paragliding as a differentiating tourist product, capable of generating new flows of visitors to the south of the country.

According to the organization, this was the first experience of its kind carried out in Angola with specialized international pilots, a milestone that reinforces the ambition of positioning adventure tourism as one of the drivers of regional development.

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