STAR ATTRACTION
Star-gazing holidays start in Welsh national park
FANCY a stargazing holiday? Then North Wales could be your answer as a new project is set to turn areas around Snowdonia into an astronomy retreat.
The pilot project, which launches next month and takes place until March, will allow people to head to Gwynedd for astro-tourism breaks or holidays.
The aim is to boost tourism in the area by offering astro-tourism packages where people can learn about the stars and planets and will also be able to stargaze using professional equipment.
With its low levels of light pollution, Snowdonia has been described as one of the best areas in the world to stargaze.
In 2015 the national park was awarded International Dark Sky Reserve status – an international recognition for areas which are noted for the quality of starry nights.
Only 11 other places across the world have received this status.
From around 10 different locations across Gwynedd, visitors will be able to stargaze using specialist binoculars and stargazing charts. There will also be workshops where people can explore the sun, stars, planets and atmosphere.
And a number of accommodation options will be available, from campsites to bunkhouses and B&Bs.
Arloesi Gwynedd Wledig – a group which seeks new solutions to challenges facing the economy in Gwynedd through innovations – has been calling on applications from tourism businesses in the area which would be interested in being part of the pilot project.
From tomorrow, it will select 10 businesses to take part in the scheme.
The chosen 10 will accommodate visitors, hold stargazing events and house the specialist equipment.
Thematic officer Rachel Roberts said: “One of the best times of the year to stargaze is in the winter months, which is also normally the quieter time tourism in Gwynedd.
“One of the aims is to attract tourists to the area during those quiet times, outside of the peak season. If the pilot project is successful we hope to add to the ideas we have already and make it even bigger.”
One of the ideas they could explore in the future is creating a “planet” in the form of a sculpture in each of the different locations which would include further details and a different way of exploring that planet.
It would encourage visitors to travel on to another town or village to learn about the planet at that location.
The project is being funded by the Welsh Government. for