ST. GEORGE — With good planning and community support, dark sky preservation and astrotourism are responsible and sustainable forms of tourism that encourage overnight stays, distribute visitation around the state and educate visitors about Utah.
This according to a news release from the Utah Office of Tourism, which is marking Gov. Spencer Cox’s third annual declaration of April as Dark Sky Month. Astrotourism and dark sky messaging complement the Red Emerald Strategic Plan, which aims to elevate life in Utah through responsible tourism stewardship.
“The Red Emerald Strategic Plan aims to spread out visitation throughout the state and the year, not just high season and highly visited places,” said Vicki Varela, managing director of the Utah Office of Tourism, in a news release. “Preserving dark skies helps communities establish long-lasting tourism economies and keeps our places Forever Mighty.”
Utah is home to some of the darkest skies on Earth and currently leads the world in dark sky preservation with 24 accredited International Dark-Sky Association places.
“Utah State Parks, our national parks and community partners have shown tremendous leadership and vision in preserving the night sky throughout the state,” Varela said.
Astrotourism could lead to an estimated $5.8 billion in spending in the Colorado Plateau and support over 113,000 new jobs in the next 10 years, according to the news release.
Utah’s 24 accredited International Dark-Sky Association places include Natural Bridges National Monument, the first ever dark sky designated park in the world, all five of Utah’s Mighty 5 national parks, 10 state parks, two towns and more.
Visit the Utah Office of Tourism stargazing page for a suite of resources to learn how to experience, enjoy and protect the state’s vast night skies.