The Western Cape is aiming to boost astro-tourism as part of its tourism growth strategy, announced Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille during Tourism Month ahead of the national astro-tourism strategy launch on World Tourism Day (Friday, September 27).
“This strategy aims to position South Africa as a world-class astro-tourism destination, focusing on infrastructure development, optimal functioning of astro-tourism streams and community transformation,” De Lille said.
While the Northern Cape, home to the MeerKAT site outside Carnarvon and the South African Astronomical Observatory in Sutherland, is the country’s most popular site for stargazing, the Western Cape also has several “dark skies” spots.
“Astro-tourism has been gaining recognition globally as a unique and exciting form of tourism. It is positive for the destination to see that the national Department of Tourism is aiming to harness its potential by developing a strategic framework to drive the industry forward,” said Monika luel, Chief Tourism Officer at Wesgro.
Dark skies – free of light pollution and artificial light sources – are the best stargazing sites.
Regions with the best dark skies experiences
“The regions with the best dark skies experiences are the Cape West Coast and Cape Karoo. There are a variety of tourist attractions and activities within these regions that have astro-tourism offerings,” luel said.
Prince Albert, the Cederberg and Matjiesfontein are among those already positioned as astro-tourism destinations.
Matjiesfontein, a small town in the Central Karoo, will house NASA’s new lunar communication facility being built in partnership with the South African National Space Agency. Once operational, it will help the Artemis mission put the first woman on the moon.
While it is still some way off, luel said NASA wants to establish a tourist or visitor centre at the site.
“An attraction like this in the Cape Karoo will benefit the tourism value chain as it will bring visitors into the area to experience the astro-tourism offerings and spend the night or weekend, which ultimately leads to consumption of surrounding hospitality and tourism offerings – not just hotels but farm stays, restaurants and even our much-loved padstals selling local produce.
“This type of project will most definitely have an impact on tourism and we are excited to watch it unfold.”
Wesgro is supporting the growth of astro-tourism through marketing initiatives, which include developing itineraries in collaboration with regions and the Roblox game “Starlight Adventures in the Cape Karoo”. Launched last year, it aims to drive tourism in the region, highlighting family-friendly tourist destinations.
However, Wesgro, will take its lead from the Department of Tourism.
“Wesgro will follow the Department of Tourism’s lead and project plans to ensure we support them and build the astro-tourism offering within the designated framework,” luel said.
