The Capability of Astrotourism on Preserving Sustainability: A Case Study in Malaysia

Abstract

Astrotourism is tourism that uses astronomy as its main attraction. As astrotourism requires astronomy phenomena, it requires a location free from light pollution. As some have posited locations free from light pollution as one of the cultivating elements for maintaining sustainability, Astrotourism can be used to achieve sustainability. Sustainability can be put under the umbrella of Maqasid Syariah and halal tourism. It is thus of utmost importance to demonstrate the unique capabilities of Malaysia as a viable Astrotourism attraction and how it can help achieve the goal of sustainability, both of which are the objectives of this research. Two methods are employed in this study; the first is to identify potential Astrotourism sites using the dark sky database, light pollution mapping and Garstang formulation of light pollution. The second method is comprised of identifying the cultivating elements of sustainability. Through this method, three potential Astrotourism sites could enhance the notion of sustainability, including sustainability from the economic, wellbeing and biodiversity aspects and, more importantly, sustainability towards the holistic practice of Islam. This demonstrates the encompassing benefit of Astrotourism towards sustainability and its development potential in Malaysia.