2025 / 01 / 22
The Starlight Foundation reaffirms its commitment to enhancing the astrotourism experience through three key strategic lines: the digitalization of services, the promotion of inclusive astrotourism, and the training of specialized agents who advocate for environmental conservation. These initiatives aim to expand the reach and impact of astrotourism by integrating its communication into modern, high-dissemination media.
These objectives are part of the ambitious project “Starlight Network, a Universe of Experiences”, led by the Starlight Foundation and funded by the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Tourism of the Government of Spain, within the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan, with support from the Next Generation EU Funds.
As part of this transformation, the Starlight Foundation has developed the Starlight App, a digital platform that connects all members of the Starlight Network. This tool includes nationally and internationally certified tourism assets, providing visitors with detailed and accessible information about astrotourism experiences and locations.
The App stands out for its innovative features, such as interactive maps and the Astroadvisor, a tool designed to facilitate the search for astrotourism experiences. Users can locate the best territories for stargazing and choose from various accommodation options, including high mountain refuges, riads, glampings, Paradores, hostels, rural hotels, or Starlight homes.
This is the first application in the world specifically dedicated to promoting astrotourism experiences, establishing itself as an innovative solution to boost sustainable and quality tourism in this sector.
Astrotourism in Spain, though young, is experiencing sustained growth, with more Starlight-accredited companies and a growing number of professionals trained as Starlight Monitors and Astronomical Guides. However, staying informed about all the activities taking place can be challenging.
With this App, the Starlight Foundation facilitates access to updated information on astronomical observations, night navigation, dinners or concerts under the stars, among other activities conducted in areas free from light pollution.
To ensure the application remains useful and up-to-date, companies linked to the Starlight Network are invited to register their activities through this form.
The Starlight App is now available for iOS and Android devices.
In a forthcoming phase, a digital loyalty passport will be included, designed to reward visitors who stay in establishments certified by the Starlight Foundation, such as rural homes and hotels.
With this tool, the Starlight Foundation continues to lead the protection and promotion of the night sky, fostering responsible tourism accessible to all audiences.
A Starlight Reserve is a protected natural area where a commitment to protecting the quality of the night sky and access to starlight is established.
Starlight Tourist Destinations are locations with ideal conditions for observing the stars and where light pollution is controlled. This makes them logical destinations for tourism based on the appreciation of the sky as part of the natural world.
Among the Other Modalities, the Starlight Foundation includes the Starlight Accommodations, establishments with ideal conditions for astrotourism.