Good practice:

Gúdar Javalambre region astrotourism destination

The province of Teruel has the largest extension of territory with Starlight certifications along with the regions of Gúdar Javalambre, Cuencas Mineras and Sierra de Albarracín.
And to these territories are added the Valencian Alto Turia and the Serranía de Cuenca, which border the region.
The sky surface brightness values on a typical dark night are typical of the best-known observatories and this quality is optimal for obtaining Starlight certifications.
By working as a star territory, not only does the fight against light pollution matter, Starlight involves the development of a strategic plan based on astronomy as a driver for tourist, cultural and rural development.
Together with the business association, various activities have been carried out since 2012, such as the Autumn Equinox Festival in Javalambre and Valdelinares, the Route of Constellations (Gastronomical product), night walks, observations, various astrotourism courses, the Summer Activities Festival, drive-in films under the stars, night photography and light painting workshops.
There has been training aimed at the business sector, but work has also been carried out with the educational community to intensify interest in astronomy and awareness of the importance of keeping the skies free of light pollution, as the children will be the future mayors and civil servants on whom the correct planning of public lighting will depend.

The Gúdar Javalambre region investment is around 2,000 euros per year for the organization of activities related to astronomy. I terms of staff resources the works are performed byone person of the region own staff. (one person)

The following have been verified:

- Increase in employment;
- Increase in population;
- Increase in scientific tourism flows;
- Increase in overnight stays outside high season;
- increase in average spending.
In terms of increments, in general, an average of 20-30% occurred.

The major challenges were the lack of support from the municipalities and the regional government. Also, it was verified the lack of trained companies or entrepreneurs to organize astronomy activities throughout the year, the lack of awareness-raising actions for the local population.

Astrotourism is potentially interesting to value the resources of any territory without light pollution and with an important natural or monumental environment. Among the potentials of the Gúdar Javalambre county, the quality of the sky for the practice of astronomy stands out, as this has been demonstrated in different scientific studies and for this reason the Javalambre Astrophysical Observatory has been built in this area. In addition, in the region there are different companies specialized in astrotourism, amply capable of serving tourists who seek the experience of rediscovering themselves with the cosmos. This experience can be enjoyed throughout the year, any night, but in order to organize this good practice it is necessary to organize a series of daytime activities that also attract the public.