Starscapes has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Gujarat Tourism to jointly develop Gujarat as a key astro-tourism destination over the next five years.
As a part of the collaboration, Starscapes will conduct a detailed study to identify potential stargazing locations across the state, starting with North Gujarat. The selected sites will be evaluated based on light pollution levels, accessibility, and suitability for astro-tourism infrastructure. Gujarat Tourism’s approach to categorizing various types of tourism, such as adventure, heritage and nature tourism, provides a clear advantage in designating specific areas as dark-sky zones. This will play an important role in exclusively developing astro-tourism without interference from other tourism activities that may contribute to light pollution.
The identified astro-tourism zones will later be developed into Astro Villages, where local communities will play a key role in reducing light pollution and preserving dark skies. The initiative aims to generate employment opportunities for local communities, improve livelihoods, while creating sustainable astro tourism experiences.
Commenting on the partnership, Ramashish Ray, Founder, Starscapes, said, “From the vast salt deserts of Kutch to the clear skies around Gir National Park, Gujarat offers some of the most pristine and untouched dark-sky locations with immense potential for astro-tourism. Our goal is to work closely with the local communities, empowering them to become ambassadors of dark skies and to create a model of responsible, sustainable tourism. We’re excited to partner with Gujarat Tourism to develop the state into a leading astro-tourism destination.”
This initiative builds on Starscapes’ ongoing efforts to promote astro-tourism across India. After a successful ‘Nakshatra Campaign’ with Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB), Starscapes has recently launched ‘Astro-Tourism Guides’ Skill Development Program in collaboration with UTDB and Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC).
