What Is The New DarkSky Approved Lodging & Resort? Here’s Why It Matters!

Red Sea Global recently partnered with DarkSky International. As a result, they launched the world’s first certification programme that is designed for resorts to protect natural night skies. In fact, the new DarkSky Approved Lodging & Resort programme was introduced, which recognises hospitality destinations that minimise light pollution. And two Red Sea Global destinations became the first resorts in the world to receive the certification. Here’s all you need to know about this programme and why it matters

Red Sea Global Partners With DarkSky International

 

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Red Sea Global recently partnered with DarkSky International, launching the world’s first DarkSky Approved Lodging & Resort certification. Basically, this programme is designed for resorts that protect natural night skies, as revealed by Saudi Gazette. This is done through responsible outdoor lighting and sets a new global standard for sustainable tourism. Moreover, it recognises hospitality destinations and minimises light pollution.

How Does It Protect The Natural Environment?

For those who are wondering, light pollution is the excessive or poorly designed use of artificial outdoor lighting at night. Although lighting is used for improving visibility and safety, unnecessary illumination tends to disrupt natural ecosystems. Moreover, it also wastes energy and obscures the stars. It should be noted that DarkSky International promotes practices relating to lighting, which offer light only where and when it is needed.

It is important to protect natural darkness to improve the view of the stars. Many animals rely on such natural cycles of daylight and darkness to navigate, feed, migrate, and reproduce. Artificial lighting can interfere with these behaviours and even affects birds, mammals, insects, and marine life.

Also Read: Riyadh, Get Ready For Fontana By Cirque Du Liban, A Whimsical Water Circus Returning In Sept.

What Is In Store For Visitors?

This programme was introduced in 2023, and during the evaluation of the resorts by Red Sea Global, the organisation found that existing lodging did not meet the operational requirements of larger resort development. So, RSG was invited by DarkSky International to develop a new set of resort-specific guidelines. These maintain strict environmental standards and address the practical needs of large hospitality destinations as well.

Not just environmental product protection, but visitor experience is also enhanced. Guests get to enjoy clear views of the Milky Way, constellations, and celestial events. All of this can be enjoyed without any interference from excessive artificial lighting. The certification also allows travellers to identify resorts which meet internationally recognised environmental and lighting standards.

The new certification is important as it establishes an international benchmark. This is for how large restaurant development can balance luxury tourism with environmental conservation.

Cover Image Courtesy: Instagram/redseaglobal

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