SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 27th Jul. (EUROPA PRESS) –
Tenerife Tourism, part of the Island Authority, has officially supported the ‘Guide for developing astrotourism products and experiences, alongside case studies’ crafted by the Starlight Foundation with endorsement from UN Tourism. This guide is poised to serve as a benchmark for global destinations keen on advancing this tourism offering that intertwines facets like nature, culture, gastronomy with the celestial sphere.
Vice President and Tourism Councillor of the Island Authority, Lope Afonso, underscored that astrotourism is “a flourishing product that supplements the array of activities available on the island, rendering Tenerife a distinctive and sustainable global destination. Moreover, the island boasts exceptional conditions for stargazing due to its climate and geographic position.”
Afonso further added that this initiative “not only enhances the island’s tourism portfolio but also fosters education and consciousness regarding the significance of preserving our night skies.” He elaborated, “We are broadening our tourism offering, championing sustainable and eco-friendly tourism.”
Dimple Melwani, CEO of Tenerife Tourism, noted that “being part of the Starlight Tourist Destinations network with the Teide National Park and Tenerife’s summits, designated as a Starlight Reserve, signifies a hallmark of quality for the island and a commitment to safeguarding the night sky.” She emphasised, “At Tenerife Tourism, our involvement in the global guide by the Starlight Foundation and UN Tourism reaffirms our dedication to diversifying the tourism portfolio by providing authenticity, unique experiences, and, most importantly, centred on responsible and sustainable tourism.”
According to the director of the Starlight Foundation, Antonia Varela, “this backing holds significant weight for us as the Starlight Foundation originated in the Canary Islands, evolving as a visionary initiative here for the global stage. We are exporting a new model of responsible, sustainable, and innovative tourism that not only nurtures tourism but also generates quality employment. The support from the Island Authority of Tenerife through Tenerife Tourism is pivotal.”
CONTENTS.
The guide will outline the necessary elements for crafting products and experiences rooted in the uniqueness of each region, tailored to visitors’ interests, creating innovative products that blend natural, cultural, historical, ethnographic, gastronomic, or heritage aspects, uniting them with the celestial realm. Simultaneously, it will provide insights for developing an immersive environment with an engaging narrative to aid visitors in exploring the cosmos while contributing to sky preservation.
Affiliated with the World Tourism Organization since 2015, the Starlight Foundation spearheaded the establishment of a Scientific Tourism Working Group in 2019 within this domain, led by the Starlight Foundation itself (based in Tenerife). It comprised entities from leading astrotourism countries such as the Dark Sky Association (Portugal), George Washington University (USA), along with Tenerife Tourism and the Society for the Promotion and Economic Development of La Palma. It also involves representatives from the National Tourism Service of Chile and Russian cosmonaut Sergey Volkov.
This guide is a contribution from this working group and was recently sanctioned by the UNWTO Publications Committee.
ASTROTOURISM IN TENERIFE
Astrotourism is a burgeoning product, complementing the diverse activities available on the island, aiding in setting Tenerife apart as a unique and sustainable destination. It merges the nocturnal sky with observation, education, and recreational activities linked to astronomy. It also acts as a means to promote regions with less exposure, finding in star tourism a prime opportunity to increase the influx of discerning visitors.
Starlight destinations not only possess excellent sky conditions but must also ensure their conservation. Additionally, they should be accessible, necessitating appropriate infrastructure and tourism-related activities, seamlessly blending into the nocturnal natural setting. Furthermore, being located in rural zones, astrotourism brings an avenue to diversify the tourism offerings.
Tenerife offers prime conditions for stargazing, owing to its location and climate. In 2013, the Teide National Park was recognised as a Starlight Tourist Destination. These destinations are visitable and boast exceptional conditions for admiring the starry skies and engaging in tourist activities centred around this resource. That same year, Tenerife’s peaks gained certification as a Starlight Reserve.
A Starlight Reserve denotes a space where, in addition to existing protective measures, a specific commitment is initiated to uphold the quality of the night sky, access to starlight, and the advocacy of associated values, be they cultural, scientific, astronomical, scenic, or environmental.
