MED SKY TOUR
Development of Sustainable Astrotourism in Euro-MED Regions
The project responds to the growing threat of artificial light at night, which negatively affects biodiversity (especially birds, insects, and nocturnal mammals), disrupts ecosystems, and poses health risks to humans. It fosters environmentally friendly tourism while increasing awareness of the value of preserving our night skies.
The MedSkyTour project aims to develop and mainstream Med Sky Tourism (or astrotourism) as an emerging form of nature-based, sustainable tourism that revolves around the observation of celestial phenomena in areas with low light pollution. It is especially suited to rural and mountainous areas and can be integrated with hiking, gastronomy, wellness, and romantic experiences.
Project will deliver:
- Development of stakeholder groups to co-create eco-tourism services related to Med Sky Tourism.
- Design and testing of innovative eco-tourism experiences rooted in star-friendly, light-pollution-free environments.
- Capacity building for tourism stakeholders and citizens to understand the environmental and economic value of dark skies
- Study Visit in Teruel (Spain) in October 2025 to explore real-life best practices in astrotourism.
- Hackathon in Western Greece (2027) to boost creativity and entrepreneurship in eco-tourism services focused on star gazing.
- Assessment of Light Pollution and Med Sky Potentials for Economy.
- Definition of Transnational Med Sky Standards.
- Measures for Light Pollution prevention.
- Preparation of International Med Sky Strategy.
Beneficiaries include local communities, regional decision-makers and tourism stakeholders, who will benefit from the development of astrotourism. Additionally, the general public and biodiversity will benefit from less light pollution in the area.
This is the first project in the Euro-MED region to combine sustainable tourism innovation with environmental action against light pollution. Through transnational cooperation and practical tools, it supports the development of year-round eco-tourism, encouraging the reduction of light pollution and the preservation of nocturnal biodiversity.
Project duration: July 1st 2025 – March 31st 2028.
Partners:
- 🇸🇮 BSC, Business Support Centre L.t.d., Kranj – Lead Partner
- 🇸🇮 Institute for Sustainable Development
- 🇭🇷 RERA S.D. – Public Institution for Coordination and Development of Split-Dalmatia County
- 🇭🇷 Institute for Circular Economy (I.C.E.)
- 🇪🇸 Province of Teruel
- 🇵🇹 ADRAL – Alentejo Regional Development Agency
- 🇲🇪 CTDC – Center for Tourism Development and Cooperation
- 🇮🇹 Lazio Region
- 🇬🇷 Region of Western Greece
- 🇮🇹 Sicily Region – Department of Territory and Environment
Associated partners:
- Triglav National Park Authority
- 🇭🇷 Municipality of Jelsa
- 🇪🇸 Comarca de Gúdar-Javalambre
- 🇵🇹 BioSky Lda.
- 🇲🇪 NVO Nikta
- 🇮🇹 Osservatorio Astronomico di Campo Catino
- 🇬🇷 Astronomical Society of Patras “Orion”
- 🇮🇹 Ente Parco delle Madonie
- 🇮🇹 Unione Astrofili Italiani
Total budget: EUR 2,342,315.00
Interreg Fund: EUR 1,879,840.00
Partner project budget: EUR 242,650.00
ERDF co-financing for partner: EUR 194,120.00
Partners' own co-financing: EUR 48,530.00
Project MedSkyTourism is supported by the Interreg Euro-MED programme and co-funded by the European Union.
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