Dark Sky Aldeias do Xisto Project is launching this May. Starting from its official status, recognised by the Starlight Tourism Destination certification as one of the best dark skies in the world, and after careful planning, now comes the moment when we effectively start to explore new and better ways of looking at the sky. The training activities start with the Aldeias do Xisto’s public partners, from 18 May to 22 June, with courses on astrotourism, astronomy and light pollution
 

The Dark Sky Aldeias do Xisto training courses aim to prepare the region and its agents for the promotion of astrotourism destinations and the building of tourism services. They will be aimed at public bodies, private agents and sky guides, addressing the themes of astrotourism, astronomy and light pollution. All training activities will have a theoretical component, which will take place online, and a practical component in person. Some of the in-the-field training will be part of Aldeias do Xisto’s summer calendar. The topics will be taught by nationally and internationally recognised scientists, with established qualaifications in the subjects covered
 

The first phase of the Dark Sky Aldeias do Xisto training, which begins on 18 May, is aimed at local, regional and national public entities with competencies in regional management and promotion of tourist destinations. The aim is to provide introductory knowledge of astronomy that will explain the basic scientific foundations of the themes , covering astrotourism and the creation of new tourist services and debating the impact of light pollution and strategies for its reduction
 

Dark Sky Aldeias do Xisto - Under the stars

The Aldeias do Xisto region has seen the quality of its skies recognised by the Starlight Foundation, awarding it the Starlight Tourism Destination certification. Alongside the excellent conditions of visibility, transparency, and darkness of the sky, this accreditation also attests to the commitment of public, private, and scientific bodies, and the readiness and quality of tourist services, augmented by the genuine interest of the resident community.
 

Dark Sky Aldeias do Xisto is led by ADXTUR, in partnership with the Dark Sky Alqueva Association, and is funded by Centro 2020 and Turismo de Portugal. Completing the network of initial partners are the Coimbra Region Intermunicipal Community, the Institute of Telecommunications of the University of Aveiro and the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto.

The combination of these factors shapes the future for this region’s relationship with the sky, which goes beyond mere observation to become a strategic focus that reconciles tourism development, integration with the Scientific and Technological System, social and environmental sustainability, the empowerment of people and the stimulation of the economy.

Throughout 2021, mainly during the summer months, this intensive programme will intersect with diverse arts, cultural and leisure events, anchored in the Aldeias do Xisto Entertainment Calendar.