South Africa to Launch its National Astro-Tourism Strategy
The South Africa Department of Tourism, in collaboration with the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), will launch the country’s astro-tourism strategy at this year’s National Tourism Day celebration, which will take place on September 27, 2024. The launch will happen in the Northern Cape province, where MeerKAT, a cutting-edge radio telescope array, is located. MeerKAT will be part of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, soon to be the world’s most powerful radio telescope.
The Northern Cape province is spearheading South Africa’s innovative approach to astro-tourism, capitalising on the development of the SKA. Furthermore, this groundbreaking initiative will transform the region into a premier destination for stargazers and space enthusiasts. Recognising the immense potential of this project, the Department of Tourism has chosen Carnarvon town in the Northern Cape province as the focal point for the official World Tourism Day celebration.
Astronomy for Development
The Minister of Tourism emphasised the vast opportunities for astro-tourism in South Africa, particularly in the Northern Cape. “We want to use the SKA and astro-tourism as catalysts to develop the Karoo region, providing opportunities for rural tourism and agri-tourism,” the Minister stated. Furthermore, the Department of Tourism is finalising the National Astro-Tourism Strategy for presentation to the Cabinet.
South Africa is set to become the first African nation to develop a National Astro-Tourism Strategy, aiming to position the country as a world-class astro-tourism destination. Moreover, the strategy focuses on infrastructure development, optimising astronomy-tourism streams, and community transformation. It also seeks to create a legacy of mutual understanding between astronomical significance and indigenous celestial narratives, enhancing the synergy between human activity and conservation.
The country boasts several unique advantages that make it an ideal astro-tourism destination. These include minimal light pollution, favourable weather conditions, the Southern sky advantage, and four of the world’s best-preserved meteorite impact craters. Additionally, South Africa hosts two globally significant astronomy initiatives: the Square Kilometre Array and the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT), the largest optical telescope in the Southern Hemisphere.
The National Astro-Tourism Strategy builds on three strategic pillars: the first pillar focuses on Indigenous Celestial Narratives and Human Capacity Development, the second pillar emphasises Infrastructure Development, and the third pillar centres on Inclusive Tourism Growth and Partnerships.
This initiative comes as the tourism sector is increasingly vital in South Africa’s economy. In the first quarter of 2024, the sector contributed 8.8% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), surpassing contributions from transport, mining, and agriculture sectors. The tourism industry is projected to grow, potentially contributing 10.4% to GDP by 2030.