Director of the Starlight Foundation Takes Part in the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly, Highlighting the Role of Dark Skies and Innovation in Astrotourism

The Starlight Foundation participated in the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly, held in Riyadh from November 7 to 11, through the involvement of its Director, Antonia Varela, who took part in the thematic session entitled “The Impact of Artificial Intelligence and Innovation on Shaping Global Tourism.” This international gathering brought together government representatives, international organizations, scientific institutions, and specialized entities to analyze the growing role of technology in transforming the tourism sector

The UN Tourism General Assembly—the organization’s highest decision-making body—dedicated its 2025 edition to examining the opportunities and challenges that artificial intelligence presents across the tourism value chain, as well as its potential to promote more efficient, inclusive, and sustainable models. Within this framework, the thematic session on AI and innovation explored projects, tools, and experiences that are already marking a turning point in destination management, visitor services, heritage preservation, and territorial planning

Giving a Voice to Dark Skies in a Global Forum

The Starlight Foundation’s contribution focused on emphasizing the strategic importance of preserving night skies as a natural, cultural, and scientific resource, while underscoring that technology must serve as an ally in advancing truly sustainable tourism. During her intervention, Antonia Varela highlighted the defense of the night sky as a shared heritage, as well as the role of astrotourism as a driver of development for territories committed to environmental protection and improved quality of life for local communities

“Our commitment is to continue working hand in hand with UN Tourism so that the stars remain both a right and a future opportunity for coming generations and for destinations that have already embarked on the Starlight path,” Varela stated.

In her presentation, the Director of the Starlight Foundation also introduced the experience of Starlight Tourist Destinations and Starlight Reserves, international certifications that recognize territories where the night sky retains exceptional quality and where tourism models are based on sustainability, science, and astronomical culture. Varela stressed that these territories have become living laboratories of tourism innovation, hosting projects related to sky monitoring, smart lighting management, and the continuous improvement of visitor experiences

Artificial Intelligence and Tourism: A Sector in Transformation

The session also showcased initiatives aimed at integrating AI into tourism services, visitor flow prediction, immersive experiences, and the preservation of cultural and environmental heritage. Key topics included:

Artificial intelligence applications to improve destination management, from forecasting tourist flows to analyzing visitor behavior and optimizing resources.

Technological solutions focused on efficiency and sustainability, with particular attention to smart lighting systems, mobility, and responsible energy use in tourism spaces.

New digital tools to enrich the traveler experience, such as interactive platforms, virtual assistants, automated interpretation systems, and data-driven immersive experiences.

Innovation applied to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage, through sensors, environmental monitoring, data analysis, and predictive models that support the protection and management of sensitive environments.

Within this context, the Starlight Foundation emphasized that AI can become a key tool for reducing light pollution, improving territorial planning, and strengthening the competitiveness of destinations that integrate astronomy as a distinguishing attraction

A Shared Commitment: Innovation for Sustainable Tourism

The Starlight Foundation’s participation in the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly reinforces the long-standing institutional collaboration between both organizations, particularly in the areas of awareness-raising, training, and support for sustainable tourism development projects. During the meeting, the need to promote global policies that integrate innovation, science, and night sky protection as essential components of new tourism models was underscored

Varela also highlighted that astrotourism has become a key development vector for rural, island, and low-density areas, generating local employment, stimulating local economies, and fostering environmental conservation. “Starlight territories are proving that it is possible to grow without sacrificing the quality of the night sky. That is the innovation we need—innovation that improves people’s lives without compromising their natural heritage,” she stated during her intervention.

With its presence in Riyadh, the Starlight Foundation continues to expand its role in international forums dedicated to tourism and sustainability, consolidating its mission to defend the night sky as a universal resource and as the foundation of a tourism model aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals

Antonia Varela, Director of the Starlight Foundation, together with Ion Vilcu, Director of Affiliate Members at UN Tourism