Astrotourism for sustainable local development

Introduction

This initiative was a Triangular Cooperation effort, developed with the support of the ADELANTE Window, aimed at developing and implementing innovative astrotourism experiences with a significant impact on the sustainable development of local communities in Peru and Mexico.

Objectives

This Triangular Cooperation Initiative sought capacity building among the Partnership entities to create an innovative model that would boost tourism in rural areas, focused on astrotourism, while harnessing the natural heritage of the local areas through sustainable local development.

Strengthening astrotourism capabilities

The initiative sought to enhance the capacities of:

• AmoMéxico
• Colegio Profesional de Licenciados en Turismo de la Región Cusco (COLITUR, Peru)

By adapting the successful model of the Servicio Nacional de Turismo (SERNATUR, Chile), implemented in Coquimbo, a leading astrotourism destination, the initiative aimed to:

• Promote the sustainable development of regional and local tourism.
• Strengthen the tourism industry through best practices in astrotourism management.

Leveraging Expertise for Sustainable Tourism

With the support of AstroAndalus, and its extensive expertise in:

• Identifying areas with high potential for night sky tourism.
• Developing local strategies to promote sustainable astrotourism.

A Triangular Cooperation Partnership for innovation

The ADELANTE Window provided the opportunity to formalize a Triangular Cooperation Partnership that:

• Harnessed the knowledge and expertise of each member entity.
• Created unique tourism experiences that highlighted the natural and cultural heritage of participating territories.
• Placed a special emphasis on astrotourism as a tool for regional development.

By integrating sustainability, innovation, and cultural appreciation, this initiative contributes to enhancing tourism opportunities while preserving the environmental and astronomical heritage of local communities.

Project activities

This initiative was structured around six key activities, designed to combine internal collaboration with moments of reflection involving external stakeholders. The process began with identifying needs and opportunities and culminated in the implementation of pilot astrotourism experiences. 

Key activities included:

• Capacity building: training was provided to representatives from Peru and Mexico in astrotourism, supported by partners in Chile and Spain. Six astrotourism experiences (three per country) were developed and piloted in rural communities.
• Model implementation: the pilot experiences led to an action plan that:
  • Offered a roadmap for future astrotourism initiatives
  • Served as a scalable model for other regions
• Research collaboration: the Partnership studied:
  • Successful astrotourism initiatives across participating countries
  • Key factors driving sector growth
  • Methods to integrate cultural and social heritage into astrotourism
• Policy development: the initiative raised awareness among decision-makers, encouraging:
  • Support for sustainable tourism policy
  • A community-based approach to tourism centred on unique, locally embedded astrotourism experiences
• Community engagement: astrotourism service providers and local guides improved their ability to:
  • Deliver immersive tourism experiences
  • Align with community-based development goals

Communities gained access to tourism networks, helping maximise local economic development while preserving cultural traditions.

Cross-cutting themes

A cross-cutting approach was applied throughout the initiative, integrating:

• Gender equality
• Environmental sustainability
• Climate change considerations

These themes were incorporated into joint work sessions and reflected in the outcomes of each activity, particularly in the final document titled: "Sky Guide: Three Cultures Under the Same Sky."

By fostering sustainable tourism practices, cultural preservation, and economic inclusion, this initiative contributes to the long-term development of astrotourism in Latin America.

Results

Through this Triangular Cooperation Initiative, the knowledge and expertise of the Partnership's member entities and collaborating organizations in sustainable territorial development through astrotourism were leveraged to design an action plan and a final document titled: "Systematization of the Initiative and Model for the Promotion of Astrotourism with a Sustainable Development Approach", accompanied by the document "Sky Guide: Three Cultures Under the Same Sky."

Key outcomes included:

• Six astrotourism experiences were successfully launched in Peru and Mexico.
• A pathway was defined to achieve the designation of 'astrotourism destination', ensuring the long-term sustainability of the initiative.

Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The initiative has contributed to and aligned with SDG Target 8.9, which aims to "Promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes culture and local products."

By integrating economic, cultural, and environmental sustainability into astrotourism development, this initiative fosters local economic growth, cultural heritage preservation, and responsible tourism practices, benefiting rural communities in Latin America.

Implementing partner

AstroÁndalus S.L., Spain