For travelers seeking extraordinary experiences, astrotourism has become a rising trend, offering the chance to witness awe-inspiring celestial events. Whether it’s chasing solar eclipses, marveling at the northern lights, or exploring ancient sites with astronomical significance, the fascination with the cosmos is stronger than ever.
The 2024 total solar eclipse over North America ignited global interest in astrotourism. Many travelers who witnessed the event are now eager to chase future eclipses, with the upcoming August 2, 2027, eclipse over North Africa being one of the most anticipated. This celestial event will provide the longest totality duration in nearly a century, lasting more than six minutes significantly longer than the 2024 eclipse.
Tour operators specializing in astronomy-themed travel, such as TravelQuest and Sirius Travel, report a surge in bookings. Just days after the 2024 eclipse, TravelQuest received around 1,000 inquiries, indicating a growing demand for eclipse-related travel. Their Luxor, Egypt, tours for the 2027 eclipse have already sold out, prompting the addition of extra trips. Similarly, Sirius Travel has placed interested travelers on waiting lists, underscoring the astronomical appeal of these celestial spectacles.
Beyond the 2027 eclipse, travelers are also looking ahead to events in Iceland and Spain in 2026, as well as Australia in 2028. With trips being booked years in advance, it is evident that eclipse tourism is more than just a fleeting trend.
While solar eclipses are driving significant interest, another major draw in astrotourism is the northern lights. The aurora borealis has captivated travelers for centuries, and advancements in technology and forecasting have made it easier to predict and plan trips to witness the phenomenon.
According to Grand View Research, the northern lights tourism sector was valued at $834.5 million in 2023. The current solar maximum a period of peak solar activity occurring every 11 years has led to exceptionally vibrant aurora displays, even in regions that typically do not see them. This has fueled a growing demand for northern lights tours in destinations such as Alaska, Canada, Iceland, and Scandinavia.
John Hall’s Alaska, a leading tour operator in the region, has been offering northern lights trips for over a decade. COO Joe Hall confirms that every tour has successfully witnessed the aurora at least once, and a new photography-focused itinerary aims to enhance the experience for visitors eager to capture the lights.
Astrotourism is not limited to celestial events; it also includes stargazing and visits to historically significant astronomical sites. The rise of dark-sky tourism has led to increased efforts to preserve night skies and combat light pollution.
Luxury accommodations catering to stargazers are growing in popularity. The Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in Finland, for example, offers glass igloos for unobstructed views of the aurora borealis. Additionally, DarkSky International, an organization dedicated to preserving dark skies, has curated a list of approved lodging options designed for optimal stargazing.
In the United States, national parks in the West have embraced dark-sky tourism. Missouri State University researchers estimate that visitors to the Colorado Plateau spanning Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah will contribute $5.8 billion to dark-sky tourism by 2029. This demonstrates that astrotourism is not just a niche activity but an economic driver in many regions.
The growing popularity of astrotourism highlights humanity’s enduring fascination with the cosmos. Whether it’s the allure of a once-in-a-lifetime eclipse, the enchanting beauty of the northern lights, or the deep history of astronomical sites, travelers are looking up and seeking experiences that connect them with the universe.
With increasing interest and advancements in space-related travel experiences, astrotourism is poised to continue shining brightly. Whether you’re planning your next trip or simply dreaming of the stars, one thing is certain: the universe has never been more accessible to travelers.
