The Economist (9 July 2026)

The brightest tourism trend can be found in the darkest places

Because the best stargazing requires seclusion, astrotourism is a boon to remote areas that do not usually lure tourists. DarkSky International, a non-profit, certifies resorts and reserves with the best night-time conditions. It has seen a substantial increase in the number of applications in the past three years, growing from 16 in 2023 to 28 applications in the first half of 2026 alone.

Astro Retreat in Maan, an Indian village in the Himalayas, has seen a surge in visitors of late. Al Ula, in the Saudi Arabian desert, is going big on astrotourism by building a state-of-the-art observatory and luxury stargazing lodges. John Barentine, an astronomer in Arizona, says there is an opportunity for rural places where industries such as mining have waned.

Read more: ​https://www.economist.com/culture/2026/07/09/the-brightest-tourism-trend-can-be-found-in-the-darkest-places