Astro-Tourism is the driving force behind the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve, and will aid the socio-economic development in the villages within the reserve. Astro-Tourism is a fast growing industry globally and is being promoted by many international organisations like the International Astronomical Union's Office of Astronomy for Development (IAU OAD) etc. IIA is heavily invested in promoting Astro Tourism through HDSR and this project is now seen as the first of its kind in India.
It is also seen as a model for others to emulate, both nationally and internationally. Many amateur astronomy groups, commercial astronomy organisations, and state governments are now pursuing astro-tourism, inspired by HDSR as well. All of these disparate efforts need direction, and HDSR is an obvious focal point. The recently concluded "Conference on Astro-Tourism and Astro-Entrepreneurship in India", organised by IIA, is a step in this direction.