The Office of Tourism of the Consell de Formentera reports that Formentera's support of the "Declaration on the Defence of the Night Sky and the Right to Starlight" has received the backing of the island's plenary assembly. By signing, Formentera pledges to work towards DDNSRS objectives.

According to Alejandra Ferrer, vice president and councillor of tourism, "Low levels of light pollution and unmatched landscapes and nature mean Formentera is the perfect place to discover and enjoy the night sky. Working towards certification as a 'Starlight' destination is a way to draw astronomy experts and amateurs and safeguard our nocturnal environment, land and landscapes – something residents can enjoy, too".

UNESCO and other international organisations are party to the DDNSRS, and backing it is crucial to obtaining "Starlight" certification. Among other commitments, Formentera pledges to support the right to an unpolluted night sky and enjoyment of the firmament, plus protections for a night sky at imminent risk. The DDNSRS urges administrations to join in tackling a challenge that requires not only cultural, technological and scientific innovation, but ongoing rediscovery of the night sky as a living part of our heritage and everyday culture.

According to the DDNSRN, awareness and education are key, and controls on light pollution are crucial to nature conservation policies. Landscape policies must also serve to defend the universal right to enjoy the sky.

Tourism can also be a powerful instrument to shape a new alliance to support quality night skies. Responsible tourism can and must integrate the night skyscape as a resource to be safeguarded and promoted at every destination.

22 December 2022
Communications Office
Consell de Formentera

The Office of Tourism of the Consell de Formentera is pleased to announce that "Viajar", a magazine of the editorial group Prensa Ibérica, has presented Formentera with its award for the best sustainable coastal destination. Carlos Bernús, head of marketing, accepted the award at a gala held today at Hotel Rosewood Villa Magna in Madrid.

Bernús offered thanks for the distinction and noted that "for years Formentera has championed sustainability as key to maintaining the natural and emotional equilibrium that captivates our island's residents and visitors". He cast the commitment as environmental, economic and social, and said it aims to safeguard the island's culture and heritage, citing longstanding projects like formentera.eco, Save Posidonia Project and campaigns to promote the pre- and post-season and preserve the local coastline.

For "Viajar", the awards underscore the magazine's commitment to sustainability and responsibility, in sync with strategies of sustainable tourism and aligned with the 2030 Agenda of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism. "Viajar" awards Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Awards to initiatives which destinations, companies and public and private institutions spearhead in Spain. The awards embody a belief in celebrating, promoting and disseminating a new way of travelling, borne of individual and collective responsibility and in the spirit of increasingly sustainable tourism.

Thirteen awards are given in three categories. Formentera won 'Best Sustainable Coastal Destination'. Other honourees included Cáceres (Best Sustainable Urban Destination), Mar de Olivos, Jaén (Best Sustainable Inland Destination), Morocco (Best Emerging Sustainable Destination), Hotel Ilunion Alcora, Seville (Best Sustainable City Accommodation), Parador de Cangas de Onís, Asturias (Best Sustainable Inland Accommodation), Gran Melià Palacio de Isora, Tenerife (Best Sustainable Coastal Accommodation), Los Caminos de Santiago (Best National Sustainable Destination), Costa Rica (Best International Sustainable Destination) and El Hierro, Canary Islands ("Viajar" Readers' Choice Award), among others.

15 December 2022
Communications Office
Consell de Formentera

The Office of Commerce of the Consell de Formentera reports that during the month of November the exams were held to obtain the craft card (carta d'artesania). Ten people applied to obtain the card for jewelry, costume jewelry, trimmings, fabric, weaving, leather, leather bags, sewing and object decoration, and another will try to obtain the title of master artisan of jewellery.

Ana Juan, president and commerce councillor, asserted, "We are working to add value to Formentera crafts" and recalled that this May six new craft cards were delivered when the accreditory exams returned after a five year hiatus. The president also highlighted "applicants' remarkable interest, which speaks to our artisans' drive to continue growing".

Applicants must pass an exam evaluated by the technical panel made up of managers of Consell de Formentera departments and master craftspeople. Examinees must demonstrate making their speciality product while members of the examining board observe the working methods and ask practical questions about  technique and production process.

At present, there are 68 card-holding artisans, eleven master artisans and four honourary master artisans on Formentera.

9 December 2022
Communications Office
Consell de Formentera

Conchita Fátima Bittancourt has won last Friday's Black Friday Formentera. The contest took place last Friday and was co-presented by the Office of Commerce of the Consell de Formentera and the island's small- and medium-sized business group, Pimef. The winner, who got her Compra a Casa card in 2018, made her winning purchase at Avenida de la Mola Supermarket and has won a €50 gift card.

Further, "At Christmas, Buy Local" (Al Nadal, Compra a Casa), a push to reward islanders for doing their shopping at establishments based on Formentera, starts today and concludes 6 January. As part of this year's initiative, local shoppers who spend €20 at participating establishments are automatically entered to win a "Compra a Casa" gift card worth €500.

1 December 2022
Communications Office
Consell de Formentera