Assessing the Value of Stargazing Forecast System in Taiwan

Weather and climate have a strong impact on tourism. However, because meteorological forecast information is considered a public good, people often overlook its market value. This study uses the contingent valuation method (CVM) to evaluate the economic value of a stargazing forecast system and assessed whether such a system would increase the public's willingness to stargaze. The results demonstrate that the economic value of the proposed stargazing forecast system is NT$ 0.2–2.5 billion, and the total value was 0.27–3.5 billion when protest responses are excluded. In addition, a stargazing forecast system could increase the public's willingness to engage in stargazing, indicating that both the system and meteorological information have a tremendous nonmarket value. Accordingly, this study suggests that the government could develop a stargazing forecast system and partner with famous stargazing destinations to popularize stargazing to propel the growth of the tourism industry.