Glamping resort Under Canvas has revealed that five of its camps across Urah and Arizona have been awarded the new “Dark Sky Resort” status by the non-profit DarkSky International.
The astrotourism market is currently estimated at half a billion dollars annually worldwide.
Recognizing the use of dark sky-friendly lighting, the newly-certified resorts—the only ones in the world—camps are:
- Under Canvas Zion
- Under Canvas Bryce Canyon
- Under Canvas Grand Canyon
- Under Canvas Lake Powell-Grand Staircase
- Under Canvas Moab
Under Canvas Lake Powell-Grand Staircase was first revealed to be a “DarkSky Resort” in August 2023—the first of its kind in the world—with the DarkSky Approved Lodging Program officially unveiled in January.
Desert Camps
“All five of our desert southwest camps that connect the ‘Grand Circle Road Trip’ through Utah and Arizona are officially DarkSky-certified,” said May Lilley, Chief Marketing Officer of Under Canvas. “We are very proud of the way that Under Canvas continues to set the standard in terms of reducing light pollution, preserving the night sky, and now offering guests an immersive and unmatched nighttime experience found nowhere else on Earth.”
A 2023 study found that over the last 12 years, the night sky’s brightness has increased by seven to 10% per year.
That makes dark places now highly sought-after travel destinations, though ironically the uptick in astrotourism means an increase in light pollution.
Top Travel Trend
“Today, astrotourism—in which travelers seek out destinations that offer ideal conditions for stargazing and observing celestial events—is one of the top travel trends in the world,” said Ruskin Hartley, Chief Executive Officer of DarkSky International. “By encouraging sustainable astrotourism through education and responsible outdoor lighting at night, we are protecting our celestial landscape while preserving a natural resource that has proven to provide a significant economic boost to rural communities where the stars still shine bright.”
DarkSky International has been certifying Dark Sky Places since 2001, protecting over 160,000 square kilometers of land and night skies in 22 countries on six continents.
Safari-Inspired
Under Canvas resorts comprise safari-inspired luxury tents complete with ensuite bathrooms, king-size beds and a wood-burning stove. Its “Stargazer” tents have optically clear plastic windows above the bed.
The glamping resorts will seek to capitalize on the new status, with onsite telescopes and viewing events planned for full moon, new moon, and meteor shower peaks evenings, as well as star parties.
Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.
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