The TWINNEDbySTARS project will bring together international partners on 15 and 16 July to review achievements and map out the formal closure of the cross-border cooperation network. Hosted by the Commercial and Industrial Association of Funchal (ACIF-CCIM), the two-day event marks the conclusion of a structured effort to establish new tourism products combining marine ecosystems with dark-sky observation.

The opening session on Wednesday morning will see the project’s Steering Committee adopt a final operational roadmap. Key work packages will be evaluated, including the status of regional cooperation networks managed by the Canary Islands Maritime Cluster (CMC) and the capacity-building frameworks established by the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC).

Stakeholder evaluation and coastal models

In the afternoon, focus will shift to commercial transferability. Organisers will hold a dedicated session with Madeiran enterprises and tourism stakeholders to present and evaluate two newly created pilot products. This will be followed by a strategic panel addressing the future of astro and blue tourism in the region.

Delegates are also scheduled to join an “ASA Night Outing” on Wednesday evening aboard a traditional vessel to demonstrate local maritime heritage. The second day of the summit will focus on the scientific interpretation of Madeira’s unique volcanic terrain. Experts will guide partners through the geological formations of the Funchal coastline before moving to the northern municipalities of São Vicente, Seixal, and Porto Moniz. The technical visits aim to evaluate sustainable coastal tourism models and assess how these scientific frameworks can be replicated across other European partner regions.