The Consell Comarcal del Baix Penedès, in collaboration with the Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), has organized an open conference titled 'The 2026 Total Solar Eclipse: Strategic Opportunity and Tourist Impact'. The event will take place at the Teatre Joan Colet in Calafell, from 11 AM to 2 PM.

The main objective of the session is to highlight how this astronomical phenomenon can boost the development and visibility of the territory. The 2026 eclipse is presented as a unique opportunity to position Baix Penedès, not only from a tourism perspective but also as an attraction pole for highly specialized economic sectors.

The conference will explore how this event can generate new opportunities in strategic fields such as innovation, scientific research, technology, applied astronomy, and astrotourism. This economic diversification would contribute to strengthening the territory's position both nationally and internationally.

The program will begin at 10:30 AM with accreditations, followed by an institutional welcome by the president of the Consell Comarcal del Baix Penedès and mayor of Calafell, and the director of the Chair for the Promotion of Business Innovation at the URV. Subsequently, an inaugural scientific and informative presentation will be given by a representative from the Parc Astronòmic de Prades, explaining the magnitude and uniqueness of the eclipse.

The conference will include a round table moderated by the regional manager, with the participation of professionals from tourism and astronomy. These experts will share their experiences and reflections on the impact and opportunities that the eclipse can generate. Representatives from the Sea Starlight project, the Institut d'Estudis Espacials de Catalunya, the company CosmoAventura, and the Astronomia i Territori project will be present. The event will conclude with a summary session.