Astrotourism for Socioeconomic Development Traditionally, astrotourism has been a niche pursuit, centered around scientific exploration and specialized equipment. However, this narrow focus has limited its potential to drive socioeconomic development in rural communities. Our approach is a radical departure from the norm. We believe that by reimagining astrotourism as an extension of ecotourism and cultural […]
Category Archives: astrotourism
2024, Astronomy for mental health, astrotourism, Flagship 1
OAD at Communicating Astronomy with the Public Conference (CAP2024)
05
Jul
Jul
The OAD team participated in the 2024 Communicating Astronomy with the Public Conference (CAP2024), with four abstracts accepted. The submissions included one oral presentation, a 60-minute workshop, and two posters. Flagship Coordinator Dr. Joyful Mdhluli attended in person, while OAD Fellows Dominic Vertue and Samyukta Manikumar participated virtually. Dr. Joyful Mdhluli, on behalf of the […]
15
Jun
Jun
OAD Fellow Samyukta has written a brief article in the African Science Stars magazine on some factors to consider before starting up an astrotourism business. The special edition of the magazine is focused on astrotourism and its potential in Africa. Astrotourism falls under the OAD’s Flagship on ‘Sustainable, local socio-economic development through Astronomy’. So far, […]
2022, astrotourism, Beyond the Beach: Foundations for Caribbean Astrotourism, Latin America + Caribbean
Strengthening Connections Between Astronomy Observatory and Businesses
19
May
May
The aim of this project was to better integrate astronomy into tourism endeavors happening on the island of St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands to provide value added to existing businesses while providing a pipeline for students interested in the intersections between tourism and astronomy into these businesses as interns. Unfortunately, we discovered that […]
2023, astrotourism, Langkawians Guide Malaysians to the Stars , Southeast Asia
Overview: Langkawians Guide Malaysians to the Stars
10
Jan
Jan
Langkawi Island is Malaysia’s top tourist attraction but it was hit hard by the pandemic crisis. Even though the sector is recovering, many tourist guides are still struggling with financial stress. During the pandemic, they are not able to renew their tour guide badges due to money shortage while during post-pandemic, there are not sufficient […]
