The upcoming solar eclipse on April 8 has sparked a surge in travel bookings, with hotel bookings skyrocketing by 315 percent, flight bookings increasing by 110 percent, and car rental sales growing by 212 percent. Americans are eager to witness the event, which will be visible in cities such as Austin, Texas; Little Rock, Arkansas; Buffalo, New York; and Cleveland. Almost 500 U.S. cities will experience the eclipse’s full totality, leading to a spike in travel to these areas. The surge in bookings is particularly concentrated in Texas, with cities like Dallas, Austin, Columbus, and Indianapolis seeing significant increases in hotel reservations.
Travelers to cities along the eclipse’s path can expect higher costs for accommodations, airfare, and car rentals. Prices have soared in cities like Niagara Falls, Waco, Burlington, Cleveland, and Austin, with hotel booking costs increasing by up to 249 percent on average. However, some cities like Evansville, Indiana; Lubbock, Texas; and Plano, Texas have seen decreases in hotel booking prices, offering more affordable options for eclipse watchers. Some homeowners are taking advantage of the high demand for accommodations by renting out their properties for hefty fees, with one individual charging $300 per night on the eve of the eclipse.
City governments are preparing for the influx of visitors to witness the solar eclipse, with Bloomington, Indiana expecting around 300,000 visitors for the event. This surge in tourism is seen as a significant opportunity for local businesses, from restaurants to hotels, to benefit financially. Phil T. Powell, executive director of the Indiana Business Research Center, notes that events like the eclipse can also showcase regions as prime destinations for relocation and business investment, offering long-term benefits beyond short-term financial gains.
The last time a solar eclipse was visible in a large area of the United States was in 2017, where 88 percent of American adults watched the event either in person or online. This year’s eclipse will enter the United States in Texas and travel as far north as Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine before exiting the continent in Canada. The total solar eclipse, when the moon completely blocks out the sun’s light, will be followed by a 20-year break, making it a rare and highly anticipated event for many Americans. Festivals and celebrations are being planned in cities along the eclipse’s path to mark the occasion and attract visitors.
With the economic boost from the influx of travelers for the solar eclipse, cities and towns situated along the eclipse’s path are preparing for a significant increase in tourism. From increased hotel bookings to higher prices for accommodations, the event is expected to have a lasting impact on the local economy. For both travelers and local businesses, the solar eclipse presents a unique opportunity to experience a rare astronomical event while also benefiting financially from the surge in tourism. As preparations continue for the upcoming eclipse, the anticipation and excitement surrounding the event are building, promising a memorable experience for those who witness it.
