The Dark Sky Association has taken on an active and strategic role in the international promotion of the Dark Sky® Alqueva territory, notably through its participation in the Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism programme, launched in 2021—the year in which the Association became involved, which corresponds to its first edition.
Recognising from the outset the potential of this initiative to highlight the authenticity, sustainability and identity of rural communities, the Association committed to identifying, preparing and submitting applications from villages within the territory. In that same year, Portugal joined the network for the first time with two villages, one of which was Cumeada, the headquarters of Dark Sky® Alqueva and of the Official Dark Sky® Alqueva Observatory. Its application was led by the Dark Sky Association as a way of demonstrating the capacity of small rural communities to engage in innovative and sustainable development processes.
This involvement has extended far beyond the application phase. The Dark Sky Association has continuously supported the development of these villages, contributing to their qualification, promotion and integration into a coherent territorial narrative aligned with the principles of astrotourism and sustainability.
At the same time, the Association actively participates in the international dynamics of the Best Tourism Villages network, attending all Annual Meetings held in Saudi Arabia, Vietnam and China, thereby strengthening the visibility of the territory and promoting the exchange of best practices at a global level.
In 2025, this trajectory was further reinforced with the inclusion of a new locality: Mértola, whose application was supported and framed by the Dark Sky Association. This milestone was marked internationally by the Mayor of Mértola at the official ceremony held in China, reinforcing institutional recognition and the global projection of the territory.
Participation in the Best Tourism Villages programme represents a clear added value for the territory, strengthening:
- the international visibility of local communities,
- the recognition of their authenticity and best practices,
- and the global reputation of the Dark Sky® Alqueva destination.
By promoting these villages within an international network of excellence, the Dark Sky Association contributes to consolidating the positioning of the destination as a territory where tourism is developed in a responsible, integrated way, deeply rooted in local identity.
This ongoing commitment reflects a strategic vision that goes beyond tourism promotion: it is about valuing communities, creating opportunities and reinforcing the global recognition of Dark Sky® Alqueva as a leading destination.