MedSkyTour

Project Summary: MedSkyTour

Full Title: Development of Sustainable Astrotourism in Euro-MED Regions

Acronym: MedSkyTour

Programme: Interreg Euro-MED – Priority “Greener MED”

Duration: 33 months

Total Budget: € 2.158.980,00

What is Astrotourism

Astrotourism is 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.

What is the project Objective

The MedSkyTour project has two main objectives: to develop this type of tourism and to implement actions aimed at reducing light pollution. In this way, the seven regions involved are not only creating new growth opportunities for sustainable tourism but are also generating real benefits for nocturnal biodiversity.

What is the problem that the project aspires to provide solutions

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. Through the development of transnational strategies, regional action plans, and capacity-building tools, the project will promote destinations with dark skies and foster environmentally friendly tourism while increasing awareness of the value of preserving our night skies.

Who will benefit from the project

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.

What is expected the project to deliver

Development of Innovative Astrotourism Services

Capacity Building of Tourism Stakeholders & Citizens

Creation of Regional & Transnational Astrotourism Itineraries

Internationalisation of the Astrotourism Festival

Starlight Policies & Minimisation of Light Pollution

Project 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

Associated Partners

• 🇬🇷 Orion – Astronomical Society of Patras
• 🇬🇷 Technical Chamber of Greece – Regional Department of Western Greece
• 🇸🇮 Triglav National Park
• 🇪🇸 Gúdar–Javalambre County
• 🇲🇪 NGO Nikta
• 🇭🇷 Municipality of Jelsa
• 🇮🇹 Madonie Natural Park
• 🇮🇹 Astronomical Observatory of Campo Catino
• 🇮🇹 Italian Amateur Astronomers Union
• 🇵🇹 BioSky, Lda

The project is the first initiative in the Euro-MED region to link sustainable tourism innovation with coordinated action to reduce the impacts of excessive artificial light at night. Through transnational cooperation and the development of practical tools, it promotes sustainable astrotourism as a year-round nature-based experience that supports local economies while safeguarding nocturnal ecosystems and biodiversity.