The Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, announced that, as part of its overall tourism growth strategy, the Department will place more emphasis on astro-tourism, particularly in the Western Cape. The national strategy aims to position South Africa as a top destination for astro-tourism.
What is astro-tourism?
The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) defines astro-tourism (short for astronomy-tourism) as a sustainable and responsible form of tourism that combines night sky observation, outreach, and leisure activities related to astronomy.
Dark skies that are free of light pollution and also artificial light sources are the best stargazing sites.
While some sites in South Africa are well-known for stargazing, there are others that more people are yet to explore.
South Africa’s astro-tourism strategy
The South Africa Department of Tourism, in collaboration with the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), launched South Africa’s astro-tourism strategy at this year’s National Tourism Day celebration on 27 September 2024, as reported by Space in Africa.
“This strategy aims to position South Africa as a world-class astro-tourism destination, focusing on infrastructure development, optimal functioning of astro-tourism streams and community transformation.”
Patricia de Lille, Minister of Tourism
Western Cape needs more exposure
Two popular astro-tourism sites in South Africa are the MeerKAT site outside Carnarvon and the South African Astronomical Observatory in Sutherland. These are both in the Northern Cape.
However, the Western Cape also has several sites that are prime spots for star gazing.
Now Media reported that Monika Luel, Chief Tourism Officer at Wesgro, stated that astro-tourism has been gaining global recognition as a unique form of tourism.
Luel pointed out that the Cape West Coast and Cape Karoo are regions that offer excellent dark skies experiences. Towns in these regions that have already positioned themselves as astro-tourism destinations include Prince Albert, the Cederberg, and Matjiesfontein.
Big plans for Matjiesfontein
Matjiesfontein, a small town in the Karoo, will house NASA’s new lunar communication facility. It is being built in partnership with the South African National Space Agency.
Markedly, this facility will have deep space exploration as a primary focus. This site will have sophisticated technology designed for communication with satellites, probes, rockets, and also terrestrial planets.
How will this strategy boost the economy?
The initiative comes as the tourism sector is increasingly vital in South Africa’s economy. Markedly, in the first quarter of 2024, the sector contributed 8.8% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), surpassing contributions from the transport, mining, and agriculture sectors. The tourism industry is projected to grow, potentially contributing 10.4% to GDP by 2030.
A development like the one in Matjiesfontein holds significant benefits for the tourism industry.
The Cape Town and Western Cape Tourism, Trade, and Investment Promotion Agency (Wesgro) is supporting the growth of astro-tourism through marketing initiatives.
Are you into stargazing?
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