• The 14 municipalities that make up the xeodestino formalize their adherence to the Declaration on the Defense of the Night Sky.

The 14 municipalities that make up the Galicia Suroeste Xeodestino have begun the process to obtain the Starlight Tourist Destination certification, a recognition that endorses the quality of the night sky and positions it as a privileged enclave for astronomical observation. With this initiative, the territory is betting on astrotourism as a differentiating element within its tourist offer, promoting a sustainable model that encourages the deseasonalization of the sector.

The first step towards this distinction has been the formal adherence to the Declaration on the Defense of the Night Sky and the Right to Starlight, a key commitment to the protection and conservation of the environment. A Guarda, Baiona, Fornelos de Montes, Gondomar, Mos, Nigrán, O Porriño, O Rosal, Oia, Pazos de Borbén, Redondela, Soutomaior, Tomiño and Tui have joined forces in this project with the aim of improving the quality of their night sky and promoting stargazing as a tourist experience.

The certification process involves passing an audit that will evaluate aspects such as the quality of the night and day sky, the implementation of intelligent lighting systems, the existence of cultural and natural resources, the adequacy of infrastructure and visitor satisfaction. Currently, technical assistance for certification has already been awarded and work is being done on the scientific documentation, which is scheduled to be completed in April. Subsequently, the Starlight Foundation will carry out the official audit, with the expectation that recognition will be granted in the second half of the year.

This project is part of the Plan for Sustainable Tourism in Destination A Despensa de Galicia, financed with European funds from the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan – Next Generation. The initiative not only strengthens the territory’s tourist offer, but also reinforces its commitment to environmental conservation and the fight against climate change, aligning itself with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

With this commitment, Galicia Suroeste is on its way to becoming a benchmark for astrotourism, offering visitors and residents the opportunity to enjoy the magic of the night sky in a protected and sustainable environment.

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin