Astrotourism: A Growing Travel Trend and Opportunity for Hospitality

Introduction

Stargazing has always been a way to reconnect with what matters -silence, nature, and curiosity about the unknown. This timeless fascination has evolved into one of the most inspiring travel trends for hotels: astrotourism.

More and more travellers are seeking destinations far from noise and light pollution, eager to enjoy the night sky, learn about the cosmos, and immerse themselves in authentic experiences. For rural hotels, glamping sites, and rental country houses, astrotourism presents a real opportunity to stand out, attract new guests, and strengthen commitments to sustainability.

This guide explores how to adapt your property to dark sky tourism, what the Starlight certification means, and how to provide a smooth experience before, during, and after a guest’s stay through modern, connected service.

What is astrotourism and why is it growing?

Astrotourism – sometimes called dark sky tourism or stargazing tourism – brings together science, nature, and well-being. It’s about more than simply looking at the stars: it’s about learning, sharing, and feeling the vastness of the universe from places where darkness is precious.

The growth of astrotourism is driven by three clear forces:

• Sustainability, with travellers who value destinations that protect their surroundings.
• Authenticity and uniqueness, as an antidote to mass tourism.
• Learning, through observatories and engaging activities.

Does astrotourism generate revenue for hospitality?

Yes, the estimated global market size of dark sky tourism was estimated at $1.45 billion in 2024, projected to exceed $4 billion by 2033 according to recent reports. Notably, a 2017 case study of Northumberland Dark Sky Park in the UK documented £25 million in economic benefits, translating to investments, increased business performance, and job creation.

Opportunities for hotels and rental country houses

Astrotourism transforms every property into a living stage for discovering the universe. More than just the value of the landscape, it gives hotels a chance to form emotional connections with guests who want unique, meaningful experiences.

• Genuine differentiation: exclusive night-time activities or dinners under the stars.
• Reducing seasonality: guests visiting all year round.
• Environmental commitment: integrating with local areas and their resources.

Astrotourism isn’t limited to rural hotels or traditional houses – it’s gaining ground in campsites and glamping sites offering stargazing experiences in natural surroundings. These options combine close contact with nature and the comfort that today’s travellers expect.

Communication with guests is just as important as a clear sky. From the first website visit to post-stay messages, guests expect up-to-date, clear information: weather forecasts, best viewing times, or practical tips.

Digital tools – AI-powered chatbots, WhatsApp messages, or automated emails – offer instant support without overloading your team. When used well, automation means guests feel looked after before, during, and after their stay, giving staff more time to focus on the kind of human touch that makes an experience truly memorable.

Where to experience astrotourism in the UK and Ireland: Reserves and tourist observatories

There are 8 International Dark Sky Reserves (IDSR) across the UK and Ireland, all certified for low light pollution.

Top destinations

• Exmoor National Park (England): Europe’s first International Dark Sky Reserves by IDSA.
  
  
• Eryri National Park (Wales): Situated on rugged mountainous terrain and offering vast unlit areas excellent for night-sky viewing.
  
  
• Brecon Beacons National Park (Wales): despite proximity to urban areas, deliberate work has kept light pollution low and skies excellent for viewing.
  
  
• Kerry International Dark‑Sky Reserve (Ireland): Covering over 700 km² alongside the Iveragh Peninsula.
  
  

Partnering with a nearby tourist observatory can make your accommodation even more appealing. Guests can book activities or talks directly, receive automated confirmations, and stay updated on any changes to the weather. Well-managed communication turns every interaction into a part of the overall experience.

Starlight certification: Get recognised for quality and sustainability

The Starlight certification (Spain-based, but working internationally) highlights accommodation committed to night sky protection and responsible tourism. It brings together environmental excellence, education, and sustainability.

Key requirements

1. Quality of the sky: low light pollution.
2. Efficient lighting management: warm, directed, and controlled lighting.
3. Educational commitment: workshops or astronomy guides.
4. Environmental sustainability: energy reduction and wildlife protection.
5. Local collaboration: working directly with communities and observatories.

During certification, keeping guests informed and sharing in this achievement is crucial. Automated messages, info boards, or multilingual chatbots can explain what’s changing and highlight the environmental benefits in a clear, friendly way – strengthening your property’s reputation with minimal extra effort.

You can also go to DarkSky International and document sky quality at your property and on-site compliant lighting. If you’re inside an existing Dark Sky Park or Reserve core, it also qualifies.

How to adapt your property for astrotourism

Turning your hospitality business into an astrotourism destination takes planning and a joined-up approach to infrastructure, sustainability, and the overall guest experience.

1. Assess your setting

Evaluate darkness levels and light pollution with specialised tools. Pinpoint the best stargazing spots on your property.

2. Responsible lighting

Use warm lights, along with sensors or timers. Avoid white lighting that disturbs local wildlife and spoils night sky views.

3. Observation areas

Create safe, comfortable, and open zones for stargazing. Terraces, gardens, or platforms can become perfect viewing areas, especially with interpretive signs.

4. Equipment and activities

Telescopes, binoculars, sky guides, and stargazing workshops are at the heart of astrotourism. Offering themed evenings or sessions with astronomy experts adds real value for both guests and your brand.

5. Staff training

An enthusiastic team means a more authentic experience. Training your staff in basic astronomy and night-time hospitality improves the overall impression and helps guests get the most from their stay.

6. Safety and accessibility

Soft lighting along paths, clear signage and safe routes make things easier and more inviting.

7. Embracing digital and operational flow

Technology helps everything run smoothly without taking away from the rural setting.

• Online check-in: no waiting at reception, just more time for your guests.
• Web or WhatsApp chatbots: answer questions about activities, timings, or sky conditions in real-time.
• Automated reminders: keep guests updated about astronomical events or special dinners.

Guests feel supported every step of the way, and your team has more time to focus on the things that matter most.

Promoting and raising the profile of your stargazing accommodation

Once you’ve built your astrotourism experience, the next step is to get the word out. Being visible online builds your reputation and brings in guests who are interested in science and nature.

• Visual storytelling: showcase your skies and night-time activities with high quality photos and video.
  
  
• Review management: guest reviews are your best calling card. Request them automatically and respond personally.
  
  
• Digital loyalty: thank guests for their visit, send a discount, or share personalised photos to keep connections alive and build loyalty.
  
  
• SEO, AEO and GEO optimisation: use terms like astrotourism, dark sky tourism, Starlight reserve, tourist observatory, or country house for stargazing. Create content that answers top questions, such as “Where to go astrotourism in Scotland?” or “What is a Starlight certification?”
  
  

The key to success is offering both useful information and excitement: blending sustainability, science, and hospitality in equal measure.

Astrotourism accommodation checklist

Astrotourism accommodation checklist

Stage	Key Action	Goal	Recommendations
1. Initial assessment	Analyse the sky and location	Identify astrotourism potential	Use light pollution assessment tools.
2. Responsible lighting	Redesign lighting	Improve night sky visibility	Switch white lights for warm-coloured alternatives.
3. Stargazing experience	Create areas and activities	Provide added value	Plan observations, dinners, or workshops.
4. Equipment	Acquire suitable kit	Make observation easy	Telescopes, guides, and mobile apps.
5. Staff training	Ongoing development	Improve guest care	Offer basic astronomy workshops.
6. Starlight certification	Apply for accreditation	Raise your profile	Partner with Fundación Starlight (international).
7. Smooth communication	Integrate digital channels	Support your guests throughout	Automate responses before, during, and after stay.
8. Digital check-in	Make arrival easier	Cut down wait times	Use online forms and tailored messages.
9. Feedback and loyalty	Gather reviews and say thanks	Build guest loyalty	Send surveys and automated thank-you notes.

Conclusion

Astrotourism offers a thoughtful, sustainable, and emotional approach to hospitality. It mixes science with silence, digital with calm, and turns a stay into an extraordinary experience under the night sky.

Modern communication – using chatbots, WhatsApp, or automated systems – makes it possible to support guests around the clock, without losing your authentic touch. Technology doesn’t replace hospitality; it gives your team more freedom to focus on what really makes a difference.

HiJiffy helps properties offer exceptional experiences with smart automation and multichannel service, so every guest can enjoy their own special moment beneath the stars. See how it works with a demo.

Frequently Asked Questions about Astrotourism