Fostering Astro-Tourism as a Sustainable Path for Regional Development: Holistic and Long-Term Sustainability Strategies

Carla Melo, Dália Liberato (), Sofia Carvalho, Pedro Liberato, Gonçalo Fernandes and Adriano Costa
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Carla Melo: UNIAG, ESHT, Polytechnic Institute of Porto
Dália Liberato: UNIAG, ESHT, Polytechnic Institute of Porto
Sofia Carvalho: ESHT, Polytechnic Institute of Porto
Pedro Liberato: UNIAG, ESHT, Polytechnic Institute of Porto
Gonçalo Fernandes: CiTUR—Centre for Tourism Research, Development, and Innovation
Adriano Costa: CiTUR—Centre for Tourism Research, Development, and Innovation

A chapter in Synergizing Management, Culture, and Arts for Tourism Development - Vol. 1, 2026, pp 207-223 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract Astro-tourism refers to a form of tourism that focuses on observing and appreciating the night sky and astronomical phenomena. It involves traveling to locations with low light pollution, where these phenomena can be observed with great clarity and detail. This type of tourism is particularly popular among astronomy enthusiasts but also attracts those seeking unique experiences in contact with nature and the cosmos. The primary goals of this research are to assess the impact of astro-tourism on the growth of sustainable regional tourism and to determine the viability of establishing an astro-tourism space in the Arouca region (Centre, Portugal). The Arouca Geopark Association was chosen as the study site due to its valuable endogenous resources, significant geological wealth, and locations with low light pollution, which enable the development of astro-tourism products and enhance the destination’s attractiveness. Using a qualitative case study method combined with direct and participatory observation allowed us to analyze relevant documents, compare successful practices in similar destinations, and collaborate directly with local stakeholders. The study emphasized the important role astro-tourism can play in environmental education and night sky preservation. The Arouca Geopark could become an important center for raising awareness of light pollution and its negative effects and for promoting sustainable lighting practices in the region. Thus, the results of this study provide a solid foundation for the successful introduction of astro-tourism in Arouca. The Arouca Geopark has the opportunity to stand out as a recognized astro-tourism destination by harnessing the potential of the region’s night sky and promoting sustainable practices.

Keywords: Astro-tourism; Sustainable development; Arouca Geopark; Starlight destination (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Z32 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:spr:prbchp:978-3-032-17545-8_10

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DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-17545-8_10

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