The Global Rise of Astrotourism and Nocturnal Escapism

For most people today, the night sky has become something we rarely notice—its stars gradually erased by city lights and the pace of modern life. Yet around the world, a growing number of travelers are journeying in the opposite direction, seeking places where darkness itself has become a destination. In this episode, we explore the rise of astrotourism, tracing how the search for unpolluted skies has evolved into one of the fastest-growing trends in travel. From remote observatories and dark-sky reserves to meditation sessions beneath the Milky Way, we examine why experiences of awe, silence, and cosmic perspective are drawing visitors far from the world's brightest cities. The story reveals how a disappearing natural resource—the night sky—is creating new opportunities for rural communities while reminding us that sometimes the greatest escape is simply looking up.https://www.economist.com/culture/2026/07/09/the-brightest-tourism-trend-can-be-found-in-the-darkest-places