Astronomical Tourism: An often Overlooked Sustainable Tourism Segment

Astronomical tourism is a potential attraction for visitors to destination areas where dark skies free from artificial light pollution can be enjoyed. This situation presents an opportunity for locations with specific product offerings such as astronomical observatories, (Robson, 2005; Weaver, 2011), auroral displays (Weaver, 2011), national/state/local parks, amateur astronomy organizations that offer public programs, and miscellaneous other providers. The focus here is on parks that have both dark skies and an organized astronomy program. The purpose of this research is two-fold: 1) to provide background research on necessary elements for astronomical tourism and 2) to examine the potential for this sustainable tourism segment to enhance the offerings to visitors at various types of natural parks, as exemplified by the astronomy program at Bryce Canyon National Park (BCNP). Where successful, these programs can enhance the overall visitor experience as well as the experience for visitors specifically interested in astronomy and improve the habitat for wildlife in the area.