Aiming for the Stars – Astrotourism for Rural Areas

The European Commission-supported STARLIGHT project serves a dual purpose: combating light pollution as a growing problem for human health, animal behaviour and biodiversity, and supporting the development of business opportunities in rural areas for people interested in astrotourism as an emerging touristic trend. Initiatives across Europe (such as DarkSky and Lichtverschmutzung) are meanwhile committed to combating light pollution, and astrotourism (or star tourism, dark sky tourism, noctourism) is part of this. Due to increasing light pollution, the starry sky can only be observed and experienced in regions that are not affected by strong light sources such as large cities or heavily illuminated infrastructures (e.g. sports stadiums). Rural regions, especially mountain regions, have an advantage when it comes to experiencing an unpolluted starry sky.

The STARLIGHT team developed a training programme linked to astrotourism, astronomy, light pollution, stargazing, biodiversity, regional development, entrepreneurship, and cultural-historical aspects of the night sky and the rural landscape. Young people (aged 18 to 30) interested in stargazing, nature protection, biodiversity, and subsequent business opportunities are one of the targeted groups. Another target group is tourism professionals interested in exploring additional business opportunities in a new tourism field. Sixty Europeans from the targeted groups in 12 countries have already participated in the STARLIGHT training programme. These were students and young professionals, most already working in or engaged in nature protection, tourism and regional development. Their motivation letters, part of applying for the training, explained their interest to be for such reasons as expanding their knowledge, getting to know like-minded people, fascination with the starry sky, commitment to biodiversity and the fight against light pollution.

During the training, learners dealt with the topic of astrotourism and light pollution in self-study units, webinars and study excursions. Special attention was paid to the interdisciplinary and transnational composition of training teams by combining different expertise and experiences. The interdisciplinary approach proved its worth, for example, for the star enthusiasts in a better understanding of tourism necessities or existing dependencies between biodiversity and tourism. The training programme in six languages is available free of charge and prepares learners for an international market.

STARLIGHT results and positive impacts

The content of the training programme provided the participants with essential knowledge in astronomy, biodiversity, addressing visitors, guided tours, marketing and alignment with tourism needs. This prepared them to develop tourism products based on scientific findings and data and sensitised them to the interests and expectations of visitors. The theoretical preparation was then put into practice in three so-called summer schools in rural regions in Bulgaria, Italy and Spain, where the learners worked together with local stakeholders to develop tourism products. The impact for both sides was as astonishing as it was significant: representatives of the rural regions experienced appreciation, interest and great commitment from the young people for their region. The learners were instructed under realistic conditions to develop marketable products customised to the rural region together with local experts from tourism, business development and municipalities. The knowledge they acquired was then confirmed by a Europass.

Good mobility and affordable housing at the top of a wish list for living in a rural area

The impact of the training was recorded in a survey (results are available on request at starlight@kultur-und-arbeit.de): 96% of the respondents saw astrotourism as a job prospect in rural areas, 88% stated that the training had increased their interest in living and working in rural areas, and 72% stated that they would continue to use the training content. The statements on the support needed to live and work in rural areas were particularly interesting: at 88%, good mobility conditions were the most important criterion, and 81% wanted direct support from local authorities for business development, for example through a local/regional mentoring system. For 77%, good infrastructure (affordable offices, co-working spaces and housing, digital equipment and fast internet, and good healthcare services) was the most important factor. Opportunities to get in touch easily with locals were also mentioned, as was social contacts playing a major role. The training participants expressed their wish to live and work "in a stable community of people, not in isolation as in cities", or work with “people being tolerant and open for 'newcomers'", as they put it. Interestingly, financial support did not play a role in the wish list, but active local support would be much appreciated.

The training participants were also asked about their expectations and personal ambitions after the training: 88% stated that their interest in rural areas had been very strongly awakened (the remaining 12% were people who already live in rural areas). 73% had used the training content after the training, and 93% would do the summer school training format, which had brought them together with local and regional representatives at eye level, again.

Astrotourism as a chance for rural areas

Astrotourism is one of the great opportunities for rural tourism and a highly attractive niche in the hotly contested international tourism market, as more and more people prefer to experience the starry sky on holiday and in their leisure time. Specifically for mountain areas, astrotourism is most interesting, given the already completed or foreseeable collapse of ski tourism in many regions due to the impact of climate change. Star parks and star destinations are booming. Tourism research and the tourism market provide impressive evidence that astrotourism is one of the most important tourism trends worldwide. The trend is driven by travellers' desire for special experiences, places of tranquillity, and new learning experiences that make biodiversity and closeness to nature tangible. For 2025, the booking platform Booking.com surveyed 27 000 travellers in 33 countries, and found that: “Ditching the daylight crowds for midnight magic, nearly two-thirds (62%) are considering visiting darker sky destinations with starbathing experiences (72%), star guides (59%), once in a lifetime cosmic events (59%), and constellation tracking (57%) top of the stellar adventure list.”

Wanted urgently: trained guides for stargazing and astro experiences

Stargazing, star photography, and knowledge of the cultural-historical and ecological implications of the stellar systems are therefore attractive business opportunities, but cannot be done without qualified star guides. The business potential is clear from the fact that the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) has certified almost 50 rural regions where artificial light is banned and the night sky is protected in Europe alone. Astrotourism programmes, e.g. guided night walks, are offered by certified star guides who provide explanations of celestial processes and tell stories about constellations.

There is also a need for open-minded partners from rural local authorities, nature reserves, hotels, restaurants and the many small providers who can create attractive products - from souvenirs to regional cuisine. Solid networks that work together well and with commitment are a success factor in introducing people to topics such as the consequences of light pollution and the joy of stargazing. From that perspective, astrotourism is not just an opportunity to enjoy nature in a very special way; it is also a role model for responsible, interdisciplinary tourism that balances business opportunities with the conservation of natural resources.