Villa de Leyva Hosts the First Regional Starlight Meeting in the Americas
The opening day of the meeting, organized by the Starlight Foundation, brings together international representatives to advance a sustainable tourism model based on the protection and enjoyment of the night sky.
2026 / 03 / 18
Villa de Leyva, Colombia, is hosting the First Regional Starlight Meeting in the Americas, organized by the Starlight Foundation, an event that places the continent at a pivotal moment: astrotourism is no longer an emerging trend but is becoming an organized, professional sector with a shared vision.
Over the course of three days, from March 18 to 20, the auditorium of the Hotel Mesón de los Virreyes becomes a space for dialogue among territories, disciplines, and development models that share a common resource: the night sky.
An Opening Session That Sets the Course
The opening of the meeting was marked by remarks from Antonia Varela, Director of the Starlight Foundation, who framed the discussion within the global context of the sector and emphasized that “astrotourism only makes sense when it is built on the protection of the night sky and a commitment to the territory.”
She also highlighted the role of Villa de Leyva as a Starlight Tourist Destination, together with the Tatacoa Desert, reinforcing Colombia’s position as one of the leading starlight tourism destinations in the country.
Joining her, Víctor Gamboa, Mayor of Villa de Leyva, emphasized the municipality’s deep astronomical tradition and its historical connection to the sky. He highlighted the importance of the Villa de Leyva Astronomy Festival, one of the oldest and most iconic astronomy events in Latin America, as well as the municipality’s commitment to a tourism model rooted in local identity and natural heritage.
Following the institutional opening, Laura Fuya, Secretary of Tourism of Villa de Leyva, presented the destination’s strategy, emphasizing its distinctive character as a Starlight Town and its ability to integrate history, landscape, and astronomical observation into a single tourism experience.
Antonia Varela, Director of the Starlight Foundation / Credit: Municipality of Villa de Leyva
Latin America: Diverse Models Taking Shape
Throughout the meeting, representatives from different Latin American countries are sharing experiences related to astrotourism development from multiple perspectives, reflecting the international and collaborative nature of the forum.
From initiatives in the Colombian Caribbean to projects in Costa Rica, Chile, Uruguay, and Venezuela, the program showcases the diversity of models through which the sector is being developed across the continent, combining culture, science, community engagement, and local economic development.
Within this context, Colombia’s astrotourism ecosystem plays a particularly important role. Diana Rojas, President of ASASAC (the Astronomy Association of Colombia), will address the impact of astrotourism on local economic development. She is joined by speakers such as Cristian Góez, Carlos A. Romero, and John Jairo, who contribute perspectives related to entrepreneurship, science communication, and sky interpretation rooted in local territories and Indigenous communities.
Several Indigenous representatives are also participating in the meeting, providing an ancestral perspective of the sky as a cultural, symbolic, and developmental element for their territories.
Over the coming days, roundtable discussions and specialized sessions will address the sector’s most significant challenges and opportunities.
Credit: Municipality of Villa de Leyva
Spain Strengthens the International Dimension of the Meeting
The international scope of the event is reinforced by the participation of experts from Spain. Among them, Rafael Bachiller, Director of the Spanish National Astronomical Observatory, will discuss the impact of the so-called “Eclipse Trio” that Spain will experience between 2026 and 2028, one of the most significant milestones for astronomical tourism worldwide.
This session will also feature Óscar Martín Mesonero, astrophotographer and solar eclipse chaser from the Startrailsinitiative.
In addition, specialists such as Susana Malón and Carlos Fernández will explore key topics including sustainable lighting and destination governance, while Juan Vicente Ledesma will analyze the role of storytelling in creating meaningful astrotourism experiences.
The program also incorporates the perspective of specialized communication and marketing through the participation of Sara Rodríguez, Director of Turismodeestrellas.com.
Field Experiences and a Connection with the Astronomy Festival
The Regional Starlight Meeting combines technical sessions with activities across the territory, allowing participants to experience first-hand the potential of Villa de Leyva as an astronomical destination.
These activities include tours through the historic center and surrounding areas, visits to the Muisca Observatory, and experiences focused on the interpretation of the night sky.
Following the Starlight event, the Villa de Leyva Astronomy Festival—the oldest astronomy festival in Latin America—will begin, expanding the event’s impact by connecting the professional sector with astronomy outreach and public observation activities.
A Decisive Step for Astrotourism in the Americas
Through this initiative, the Starlight Foundation promotes the development of an international cooperation network aimed at consolidating astrotourism as a tool for sustainable development throughout the continent.
The meeting highlights a shared idea: the night sky is not merely a tourism resource, but a heritage asset that requires protection and responsible management to ensure its future.
More information about the First Regional Starlight Meeting in the Americas:
https://encuentroregionalstarlightamerica.fundacionstarlight.org/