Astrotourism for Development: An Overview of Resources from the IAU Office of Astronomy for Development

TL;DR

This paper reviews the IAU Office of Astronomy for Development's resources supporting astrotourism as a tool for education, economic growth, and cultural exchange, emphasizing sustainable and inclusive practices worldwide.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of publicly available resources for implementing astrotourism initiatives, linking them to broader development goals and practical guidance.

Findings

Resources promote science education and cultural exchange.

Tools support sustainable economic development.

Guidelines foster inclusive and locally grounded astrotourism.

Abstract

Astrotourism has emerged as a powerful cross sectoral tool to promote science education, sustainable economic development, and cultural exchange. Recognising its potential, the International Astronomical Union's Office of Astronomy for Development (IAU OAD) has developed a suite of openly accessible resources to support individuals and institutions interested in implementing astrotourism initiatives globally. These resources also encourage individuals and existing businesses to broaden their offerings to include activities that use the night sky as a backdrop, such as food experiences, wellness practices, and cultural exploration. This paper offers a comprehensive summary of these resources, available on the OAD's Astrotourism Portal, and situates them within the broader context of astronomy for development work. The paper is targeted at educators, policymakers, tourism operators, grassroots organisers, and entrepreneurs, providing guidance on how they can foster inclusive, locally grounded, and sustainable astrotourism efforts, particularly in underresourced or emerging contexts.