How Dark Sky Conservation Boosts Tourism: Insights from Great Sand Dunes National Park

Key Findings: The Economic Power of Dark Skies

Designated as a Gold Tier International Dark Sky Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park offers visitors a rare chance to stargaze under pristine skies. However, this unique feature is vulnerable to the encroachment of artificial light. Through a survey of over 360 park visitors, we explored how changes in night sky quality could impact visitor behavior, tourism revenue, and overall economic benefits.

Key Insights:

1. Tourism Behavior Shifts:

   • 47% of surveyed visitors indicated that they would reduce their future visits if the night sky became significantly brighter.

2. Spending Losses:

   • If night sky visibility declined to levels comparable to nearby urban areas, the park could lose up to $295,000 annually in local tourism revenue.

3. Regional Economic Impact:

   • Ripple effects mean that direct tourism losses could result in annual regional GDP reductions of up to $325,000.

The Focalize Solutions Approach: Measuring Non-Market Value

To estimate the economic value of dark skies, we combined advanced statistical techniques:

• Travel Cost Model (TCM): Quantified how much visitors spend to reach and enjoy the park, revealing the value they place on their experience.

• Contingent Behavior Model (CBM): Assessed how visitors’ future behavior would change if the night sky became brighter. This approach reduced response bias and provided detailed insights into potential visitation changes.

By integrating real-world spending data with hypothetical scenarios, we produced a robust analysis of how environmental changes influence economic activity.

Real-World Applications for Policy and Business Strategy

For policymakers, nonprofits, and local businesses, these insights offer valuable guidance for resource allocation and conservation strategies:

• Policy Support: Data-driven evidence strengthens the case for investment in night sky conservation programs.

• Economic Resilience: Understanding visitor behavior helps communities anticipate economic changes and design mitigation strategies.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Quantifying the recreational and economic value of non-market goods (like dark skies) encourages collaboration between public and private stakeholders.

Why This Matters: Beyond Recreation

Our study shows that dark sky conservation is more than a cultural or environmental goal—it’s an economic imperative. As interest in stargazing and dark sky tourism grows, destinations like Great Sand Dunes National Park will only increase in value. By preserving this resource, communities can continue to benefit from sustainable tourism and enhanced regional visibility.

Suggested Reading:

To learn more about the methods and findings of this study, read the full research article:
“Contingent Behavior Modeling for Dark Skies Valuation at Great Sand Dunes National Park.”