Mértola: Municipality adheres to the project Dark Sky® Alqueva.
The Municipality of Mértola and the Tourism Network of Alentejo village - Genuineland (Management Association certificate territory Dark Sky® Alqueva) sign today, a cooperation agreement to expand the certification Alqueva Dark Sky® the county.
A Reserva Dark Sky® Alqueva, which are already part of the municipalities of Portel, Reguengos de Monsaraz, Alandroal, Mourao, Moura and Barrancos was recognized in 2011 as the first reserve in the world to obtain certification Starlight Tourism Destination awarded by UNESCO and the World Tourism Organization.
The certification project developed by Genuineland - Alentejo Village Tourism Network also includes the implementation of the "Route Dark Sky® Alqueva" which concentrates a set of services and activities related to the astrological tourism developed by companies of the accommodation areas, catering and tourist activities, certified by Dark Sky Reserve.
The route also promotes a number of promotional activities and knowledge of the "Star heritage" of the territory, as well as, awareness actions to minimize the light pollution.
This adhesion of the Municipality of Mértola integrates municipal strategy tourist niche products structuring with high progression potential in domestic and international markets. The territory of Mértola for its extension, low density, low density urban, natural resources and climate presents a high potential certification starlight.
In cooperation agreement is expected the organization and presentation of the application file of Mértola the certification Starlight Tourism Destination; the development of a plan to combat light pollution; the development of an integration plan Mértola territory in "Route Dark Sky® Alqueva"; conducting initial and further training activities for local business and the community at large on the issues Dark Sky® Alqueva (Astro tourism, light pollution, among others); and the promotion of animation actions and events depicting the Dark Sky® Alqueva.
