The 2024 solar eclipse in New Brunswick is drawing attention and tourism to the region. The CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of New Brunswick (TIANB) stated that people from all over the world are traveling to New Brunswick to witness the event, impacting tourism in a positive way. This influx of tourists has resulted in businesses like the Delta Hotels by Marriott in Fredericton experiencing near-full reservations, providing a boost to the local economy. Organizations in Fredericton have organized eclipse-related events as part of EclipseFest, including astronomy talks, watch parties, and planetarium shows. The Beaverbrook Art Gallery is also displaying a painting of an eclipse, attracting visitors from around the world.
The manager of collections at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery noted that despite the uncertainty of cloudy skies obstructing views of the eclipse, the painting provided an opportunity for visitors to experience a full eclipse. The weather prediction for the eclipse day is clear, ensuring a great viewing experience for those in Fredericton. Visitors like Spencer Beggs and his daughter Elouise traveled to Fredericton specifically to witness the eclipse in its line of totality. They expressed their excitement about the eclipse fever and the various tourist attractions related to the event that they were exploring in the city.
The 2024 solar eclipse in New Brunswick is not only attracting tourists for the event but also highlighting the potential for astronomy-related tourism in the region. The CEO of TIANB mentioned the opportunity for astrotourism in New Brunswick, given its rural areas and four dark sky preserves that provide ideal conditions for stargazing. He emphasized that New Brunswick’s relatively unpolluted skies make it a unique destination for astrotourism, as 85% of the world’s population lives under light-polluted skies. EclipseFest is shining a spotlight on the daytime sky, but it also serves as a platform to promote New Brunswick as a hub for astronomy enthusiasts looking to explore the night sky.
The EclipseFest in Fredericton is not only a one-time event but is also part of a larger strategy to promote astrotourism in New Brunswick. The CEO of TIANB sees the eclipse as an opportunity to create awareness about the region’s potential for astronomy-related tourism and hopes to attract more visitors interested in stargazing. The influx of tourists for the solar eclipse is a welcome boost for the local economy, with businesses benefiting from increased bookings and visitors patronizing various establishments in the area. Overall, the 2024 solar eclipse is bringing attention, tourism, and economic activity to New Brunswick, positioning the region as a potential destination for astrotourism enthusiasts seeking dark skies and celestial wonders.
