Hospitality Awards 2019

Page 30 www.lux-review.com LUXlife 2019 Global Hospitality Awards Created in 2009 by the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands (IAC) and with the majority contribution in the equity capital of the consulting Corporación 5, whose primary purpose is the dissemination of astronomy and the promotion, coordination and management of the Starlight movement in defence of the Night Sky and the Right to Starlight or Starlight Declaration that is supported by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization) and IAU (International Astronomical Union) among other international institutions. The Starlight Foundation organises activities and provides various related products and services. Through its work this non-profit entity encompasses, coordinates and manages ideas, projects, people, thoughts and activities and invites society to rethink the way it values the starry sky. It also fights to protect the night sky and is aware that, in doing so, it is helping to care for a scientific and cultural heritage that belongs to everyone, while safeguarding the habitat of many species that need the dark of the night for their survival. The Starlight Foundation (Fundación Starlight) is an innovative organisation dedicated to sharing its extensive knowledge of astronomy with a variety of guests from around the world. We profile the organisation to learn more about how it shows the beauty and majesty of the stars and planets to discerning enthusiasts and those seeking a truly unique experience. Fundación Starlight: Astro-Tourism Advocacy of the Year 2019 Specifically, within the tourism and hospitality markets, the Starlight Foundation has created a certification system whereby those areas that have excellent sky quality and represent an example of protection and conservation are accredited. They are scenarios that incorporate the observation of the sky as environmental, cultural, scientific heritage and a resource for sustainable economic development encouraging “Star Tourism or Astrotourism”. Promoting scientific tourism and, more specifically, star tourism as an emerging, sustainable, high-quality segment is a key aspect of the Star Foundation’s work. Working towards this goal, the foundation has a certification system by which those places where the sky quality and infrastructure allow this type of activity are accredited as Starlight Tourist Destinations. The foundation also awards the status of Starlight Reserve to those places that maintain the natural lighting conditions and clarity of the night sky intact, incorporating the starscape into their existing cultural and natural assets. As such, tourists can find the perfect space to view the nights sky in all its glory. Through this work, the foundation is able to strive toward achieving one of its core objectives: the protection and conservation of the night skies, as an important scientific, cultural, environmental and tourist resource. As part of this aim, the organisation works