South Africa plans to invest more than R350 million (€18.2 million) in its astro-tourism strategy, which aims to position the country, centred on the sparsely populated Northern Cape, as a global leader in the sector.
The strategy focuses on the province’s Carnarvon-Sutherland corridor, which is home to major astronomy projects including the Meerkat and Square Kilometre Array (SKA) telescopes and the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT).
The strategy – approved by Cabinet last year – was presented to Parliament’s portfolio committees on Tourism and Science, Technology and Innovation in February.
Blade Nzimande, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, said 42% of the required funding has been secured across the project’s three pillars:
- Indigenous celestial narratives and human capacity development
- Infrastructure development
- Inclusive tourism growth and partnerships
Takalani Nemaungani, Chief Director of the Astronomy portfolio in the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, said a proposal will be developed for an Astro-Tourism Fund to be established within National Treasury to secure further funding.
The construction tender for one of the strategy’s core projects – the R62 million (€3.2 million) SKA Science Tourism Visitor Centre in Carnarvon – is currently being advertised after receiving engineering approval, Nemaungani added.
The strategy’s implementation plan, which runs until 2033 and encompasses a range of other infrastructure developments, includes stargazing platforms at lodges and enhancement of visitor facilities at various planetariums and observatories around South Africa.
Astro-tourism attractions will be linked through the development of an Astro-Tourism Route including upgraded strategic roads and signage.
Sutherland – A successful case study
Nemaungani highlighted the benefits of astro-tourism for the small Northern Cape town of Sutherland. The town welcomes around 15 000 tourists every year – mainly seeking to experience the region’s unspoilt night skies.
“Since the construction of SALT, demand for tours during the peak season months of June, July and August has exceeded the observatory’s capacity. In addition, tour operators are using amateur telescopes and astro-tourism attractions provided by local communities.”
Accommodation offerings have increased to 40 guest houses, one hotel and 10 guest farms. Eight of the guest farms offer stargazing experiences.
The plan has earmarked R26 million (€1.35 million) for the construction of a guest house and restaurant at the South African Astronomical Observatory site in Sutherland.
Following presentation of the strategy, the Portfolio Committee on Tourism encouraged South African Tourism to intensify its astro-tourism marketing. Additionally, it called for the Tourism Business Council of South Africa to assist with funding the development of tourism infrastructure in Carnarvon and Sutherland.
