The European TWINNEDbySTARS project, led by the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria—TIDES University Institute, is working to diversify and deseasonalize the nautical and marine tourism offer in the Canary Islands, Azores, Madeira, and Martinique. As part of this commitment, a Starlight certification campaign has been launched for SMEs in the maritime sector in the region, with the aim of promoting astronomy as a differential tourist attraction.

The first maritime company in the Canary Islands to receive the Starlight 2025 distinction is KEEP SAILING, demonstrating the initial results of this program. Until now, the archipelago had eight certified destinations, but no maritime company had achieved this accreditation. Astronomy from the sea in the Canary Islands represents a unique opportunity thanks to the low light pollution at a short distance from the coast, offering optimal conditions for observing stars and constellations.

What does Starlight 2025 certification mean for the Canary Islands?
For the destination:

• International recognition and visibility: Starlight certification brings prestige and positions the Canary Islands as a benchmark in astro-tourism, facilitating collaboration with global initiatives promoted by the Starlight Foundation.
• Commitment to sustainability: Certified companies must respect the night environment and minimize light pollution, thus contributing to the conservation of marine and terrestrial biodiversity and reducing navigation risks.
• Diversification of the tourist offer: The quality of the night sky in the Canary Islands is a high-value resource that can be used for astronomical events such as eclipses or planetary alignments, generating new tourist opportunities.
• Ecotourism and educational experience: Astronomical navigation not only attracts visitors but also promotes knowledge of the sky and the sea among the local population.
• Attracting new market segments: Astrotourism is a growing trend attracting the interest of scientific tourists, photography and astronomy professionals, as well as sea lovers in search of authentic experiences.

For companies:

• Competitive differentiation: Having Starlight certification allows companies to stand out in the market with unique nighttime sailing experiences.
• Commitment to sustainability: Certification reinforces the image of companies in the eyes of a public that is increasingly aware of the importance of responsible tourism.
• Rescue of traditional navigation: Incorporating astronomical observation in navigation allows reconnecting with ancestral techniques of maritime orientation.
• New business opportunities: Possibilities are opening up for the creation of night tours aimed at tourists, residents, educational centers, universities, and nautical schools interested in complementing their training programs.

Spain moves forward in the fusion of astronomy and navigation.
In Spain, the company Balearia has integrated astronomical navigation into its night routes as an added value for its passengers. In addition, nine sailing schools in Galicia, Murcia, and Andalusia have joined forces under the Next Generation Sea Starlight project, an initiative that served as inspiration for TWINNEDbySTARS. These schools not only offer astronomical sailing trips but have also incorporated an optional module of traditional star-guided sailing into their yacht skipper courses.

With the certification of KEEP SAILING, the Canary Islands is positioned as a reference in astronomical navigation, adding value to its tourist offer and opening new opportunities for the maritime sector in the region.