Astrotourism
- Astrotourism
Astrotourism, which focuses on experiencing starry skies and celestial events, is emerging as a leading travel trend in 2024. Closely related is dark sky tourism, offering a broader range of activities such as night safaris, moonlit hikes, and wellness-focused visits to pristine, dark locations. As interest in experiencing dark nights grows, so does the need for responsible tourism that protects the environment and fosters sustainability.
“Astrotourism has the potential to generate significant social, economic, and environmental benefits,” notes Samyukta Manikumar, board member of DarkSky International. “We can learn a lot from both the successes and challenges in daytime tourism to encourage the growth of the astrotourism industry in a way that both protects the nocturnal environment and encourages sustainable economic development.”
Drawing from insights gathered from over 200 International Dark Sky Places, along with input from astronomers, scientists, and industry professionals, DarkSky International developed these principles to guide organizations, communities, and individuals involved in astrotourism. Endorsed by the Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD), a joint project of the International Astronomical Union (IAU), the principles focus on reducing light pollution and promoting sustainability, ensuring that astrotourism benefits local environments, communities, and the night skies it depends on.
DarkSky International aims for these principles to be widely adopted by affiliated organizations and independent astrotourism operators alike. Astrotourism has the potential to catalyze positive change and reduce light pollution globally, but it must be pursued intentionally with utmost concern for local communities and the natural environment.
The Tasmanian tourism industry acknowledges the Tasmanian Aboriginal people and their enduring custodianship of lutruwita /Tasmania.
We honour 40,000 years of uninterrupted care, protection and belonging to these islands, before the invasion and colonisation of European settlement.
As a tourism industry that welcomes visitors to these lands, we acknowledge our responsibility to represent to our visitors Tasmania’s deep and complex history, fully, respectfully and truthfully.
We acknowledge the Aboriginal people who continue to care for this country today. We pay our respects to their elders, past and present. We honour their stories, songs, art, and culture, and their aspirations for the future of their people and these lands.
We respectfully ask that tourism be a part of that future.
Mailing address:
PO Box 184,
BATTERY POINT TAS 7004
Office address:
Level 2, 13-17 Castray Esplanade
Hobart TAS 7000
ABN 29 156 395 970
