@article{GENERAL,
      recid = {7959},
      author = {Yang, Guanyi and Eiswerth, Mark and Mullen, Liam},
      title = {Tourism Response to Dark Sky Conservation at the Great  Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve},
      number = {GENERAL},
      pages = {17 pages},
      month = {Nov},
      year = {2024},
      abstract = {The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve,  designated as a Gold Tier International Dark Sky Park,  offers exceptional night sky experiences that significantly  enhance visitor satisfaction. A survey of 367 visitors in  October 2023 found that 47% would reduce future visits if  the park's night skies became less dark. The report  estimates that even slight increases in light pollution—to  levels comparable with nearby Alamosa or Breckenridge—could  result in annual tourism revenue losses between  approximately \$176,000 and \$295,000, with broader  regional GDP impacts due to reduced visitor spending.  Additionally, the loss in net consumer benefits, reflecting  the overall value and happiness visitors derive from the  park, could range from \$708,000 to \$4.5 million annually.  These conservative estimates underscore the significant  economic benefits of preserving dark skies and highlight  the importance of continued efforts to mitigate light  pollution for the sake of both the local economy and  visitor experience.},
      url = {http://digitalcc.coloradocollege.edu/record/7959},
      doi = {https://doi.org/10.52295/dcc.7959},
}