Skills for Tourism And Recognition of the importance of dark skies

"<< Background >>The consortium applied for the STARLIGHT project to address key challenges in the tourism sector, skills development, and environmental sustainability. Despite being the world's leading tourism destination, Europe faces increasing competition and the need for constant innovation. Sustainable, attractive tourism products must be developed to benefit local communities and the environment.Another critical issue is the skills gap in the tourism workforce. Employers report a shortage of professionals with the necessary competencies, particularly for higher-skilled roles. Many graduates lack practical experience, making it difficult for businesses to find ""work-ready"" employees. STARLIGHT aimed to bridge this gap by equipping professionals with the skills needed to develop innovative tourism offers.Additionally, the project addressed light pollution, an often-overlooked environmental problem that disrupts ecosystems and biodiversity.By raising awareness and integrating scientific knowledge on light pollution into tourism strategies, STARLIGHT contributed to sustainable tourism development and new experiential tourism models.<< Objectives >>The STARLIGHT project aimed to increase job opportunities for young Europeans, mainly under 35 and some over 35 already active in the tourism sector. It focused on promoting dark skies observation as a competitive asset for sustainable and experiential tourism, responding to the decline of mass tourism. The project provided new skills, knowledge, and training for both young professionals and experienced operators, with a program including courses, webinars, hackathons, and the creation of tourist experiences. STARLIGHT engaged 59 participants from 6 European countries (Italy, Spain, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Austria, and Germany) in activities on astronomy, biodiversity, and light pollution. The partners designed a work-based training methodology focusing on accessible and sustainable tourism, digital marketing, and business planning. The project addressed the needs of SMEs in the tourism sector, creating innovative job opportunities for participants<< Implementation >>STARLIGHT focused on producing three key results:•A training toolkit to create a knowledge base on light pollution.•Webinars to turn knowledge into marketable skills, covering topics like astronomy, biodiversity, experiential tourism, entrepreneurship, and digital marketing.•A summer school format to pass on competencies through transnational work-based learning and inspire participants, stakeholders, and the public.These results were tested during three training activities:•A summer school in Bulgaria (09/2023) on entrepreneurship, digital marketing, and customer care.•A spring school in Italy (04/2024) on territorial marketing, with input from local operators.•A summer school in Spain (09/2024) on biodiversity and light pollution protection, with local guides.The last two schools led to co-creating two joint tourist experiential packages (Experience Box). Four multiplier events were organized to disseminate results and introduce training activities:•Dark skies and stargazing: new skills for new jobs in tourism (SL);•STARLIGHT SUMMER SCHOOL: build your career in Astrotourism (BG);•STARLIGHT SPRING SCHOOL: Territorial Marketing Experience Box (IT);•STARLIGHT SUMMER SCHOOL: Nature and Biodiversity Experience Box (ES).<< Results >>STARLIGHT aimed to improve employability and redefine tourism in a sustainable way. The project addressed challenges by providing work-based training in sustainable tourism, digital marketing, and business planning, aligned with trends like the growing interest in dark skies for stargazing. The approach was based on three key actions: INFORM (raising awareness), ENGAGE (involving target groups), and INSPIRE (passing on the project’s legacy). Key results included:•Providing knowledge, skills, and competences to 60 young Europeans, better equipping them for the tourism market.•Creating intergenerational exchange and work-based learning opportunities.•Integrating dark skies observation into courses for guides and tour operators.•Raising awareness about light pollution and promoting sustainable tourism practices.During the project, partners delivered:•Training courses and webinars on light pollution and astrotourism.•Experience Boxes as tourist packages from each school.•A Summer School format, offering guidelines for setting up successful Astrotourism initiatives."