Astro-Tourism

According to the New World Atlas of Artificial Night Sky Brightness, nearly 80 percent of North Americans cannot see the Milky Way due to light pollution. Places, where the night skies are free from artificial light pollution, have become increasingly popular tourist destinations.

Astronomical Tourism, or “Astro Tourism,” is a form of nature-based tourism specifically concerned with the viewing of celestial objects, space and the physical universe. Astro-tourism is also one of the most sustainable forms of tourism. ...One of the many benefits of astro-tourism is that it generally leads to one or more overnight stays.

“Having internationally recognized dark skies bolsters our ability to attract more visitors and offer more night programming which results in more people enjoying our parks at more times of the day.”- Fred Hayes, Former Utah State Parks Director