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Welcome to our Dark Sky Ecotourism VET Empowerment Programme, offering a range of experiences and knowledge in stargazing and night-time adventures. It's designed for tourism businesses, educational bodies, and enthusiasts in the tourism sector, including destination managers, rural developers, and tourism networks. This programme is more than just experiences. It's a practical guide blending current tourism trends and inspiring examples from countries like Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, and Denmark.

Scroll down to access our 5 modules, our dark sky experiences and the trainers guide... 

Module 1 Introduction to Dark Sky Ecotourism

Through these modules, we intend to equip people with the knowledge and tools needed to appreciate the night sky's wonders and the natural world's richness while fostering a sense of responsibility for its protection.

Module 2  Setting the scene -How to create a dark sky experience

This module sets the scene and helps the user see the value in dark sky ecotourism. Whether you are a newcomer to dark sky ecotourism, or established, this module aims to help you discover the possibilities.

Module 3 Reaching your audience

This module will help you learn about engaging your audience. It is important to understand the needs and wants of your customer base, here we will help you brand and market your business towards your consumers and the overall end goal of creating a dark sky ecotourism experience.

Module 4 Introduction - Designing Dark Sky Ecotourism Experience

Within module 4, you will learn how to create your own dark sky ecotourism experience and how to manage the expectations of your audience

Module 5 After the experience – A dark sky ecotourism message

This module focuses on the ‘message’ you want your guests to take away from your dark sky experience and the feeling you want to leave your audience with.

Module 4 Example from Portugal - A night walk on biodiversity

Through these modules, we intend to equip people with the knowledge and tools needed to appreciate the night sky's wonders and the natural world's richness while fostering a sense of responsibility for its protection.

Module 4 Example from Iceland - Northernlights sightseeing boat trip

This module was inspired by the Icelandic whale watching company, North Sailing, that used the resources they already have, e.g., an electrical sailboat and highly skilled staff to make a successful dark sky ecotourism experience:

Module 4 Example from Iceland - A coastal dark sky ecotourism walk

This module describes a coastal dark sky ecotourism walk next to the Natural History Museum of Iceland, which is located near the coast and next to an urban area.

Module 4Example from Ireland - Dark sky boat trip

By offering an enriching experience of astronomy and dark sky ecotourism, you can provide participants with a memorable and educational adventure.

Module 4 Example from Ireland - Moonwalking in Ireland

Night hiking experiences in Ireland provide a unique way to engage with the rich heritage and astronomical significance of the land.

Module 4 Example from Italy - A dark sky ecotourism walk at lake Pescara

Natural lakes are a great ecosystem for exploring nature, dark skies, stars, vegetation and wildlife. Here a summer visit –in June - to the natural lake Pescara is described.

Module 4 Example from Portugal - Rural accomodation and dark sky ecotourism

In suitable locations, stargazing can make for a very enjoyable, exciting and educational evening. It can be done in a variety of ways, with very different levels of investment and equipment, and complement many other activities.

Facilitators Guide

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