Astrotourism: A Growing Niche of Sustainable Tourism

Over the last 20 years, the fast evolution of information and communication technologies has brought about the information revolution, resulting in notable transformations in the tourism industry, as in other sectors. In this respect, the distinctive travel desires of the younger generation vary fundamentally from those of earlier generations, attributable to their upbringing and knowledge in information technologies. As a result, selective special interest tourism has swiftly replaced mass tourism. This trend has triggered the emergence of niche markets; destinations have adjusted themselves to accommodate the new generation's expectations of quality, resulting in a decline in popularity for some previously preferred locations while others have surged in prominence. Returning their lost tourism potential requires the formerly popular destinations to participate in cutthroat competition with their opponents in niche markets, through revising their policies to focus on sustainable tourism. The tourism industry has, in recent years, encountered substantial obstacles, such as epidemics, natural calamities, climate change, regional conflicts, wars, and ensuing mass migration, resulting in reforms in both structure and practices.