AOT Launches Free ‘Starstruck’ Dark Skies Tourism Digital Pass
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PHOENIX (April 13, 2026) — The Arizona Office of Tourism (AOT) launched the Starstruck: Arizona Dark Sky Expedition passport today, a free digital guide connecting travelers to 30+ premier stargazing spots and certified Dark Sky communities in celebration of International Dark Sky Week.
Arizona is home to 22 officially designated International Dark Sky places and many additional parks and communities offering ideal stargazing conditions, making the state one of the best spots in the country for enjoying the grandeur of the night skies.
With International Dark Sky Week starting today, April 13, AOT’s latest free digital passport puts planning to explore the wonders of the night sky directly in the hands of travelers. A quick sign-up is all it takes to have the passport delivered instantly to a phone. From there, dark sky passport locations and experiences are plotted on a map, with quick info available about each one.
“Arizona’s night skies are a natural treasure, and our new ‘Starstruck’ digital pass is the ultimate map for anyone looking to experience that cosmic wonder firsthand,” said Alix Skelpsa-Ridgway, Director of the Arizona Office of Tourism. “With one of the world’s highest concentrations of Dark Sky places, we’re making it easier than ever to find these breathtaking views across the state.”
“Flagstaff’s legacy as the world’s first International Dark Sky City is built on the idea that the night sky is a resource worth protecting for everyone, a deeply held value in our community,” said Danielle Adams, Executive Director of the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition. “The ‘Starstruck’ digital pass guides visitors toward meaningful, awe-inspiring encounters with the stars while fostering a deeper respect for our unique Arizona dark-sky ethos.”
|
|
|
|
Prizes: Travelers are also encouraged to check in at each destination to get entries to win dark sky themed prizes including:
- Lowell Observatory Prize Pack: Includes 2 passes to Lowell Observatory, exclusive stickers and red stargazing flashlights
- Arizona Science Center: 2 tickets to the Arizona Science Center, featuring the new Dorrance DOME immersive 8K planetarium experience
- Stickers: Stickers featuring the original artwork from the Starstruck logo.
Discover AOT’s other digital passports by heading to the Arizona Experiences Passports page, including those featuring Historic Route 66, Arizona Parks and Monuments, 250 places and attractions for the America 250 Arizona celebration, family-friendly attractions and haunted destinations and landmarks.
###
Media Contact: Josh Coddington, (480) 438-4700, jcoddington@tourism.az.gov
About the Arizona Office of Tourism: The Arizona Office of Tourism works to strengthen and grow Arizona’s economy through travel and tourism promotion, positioning Arizona as the leading tourism destination for domestic and international travelers. In 2024, tourism employed more than 193,800 Arizonans and contributed over $4.3 billion in tax revenue to our federal, state and local economies.