Eclipse tourism spurs a stellar spending boom

For those hoping to catch a glimpse of the total solar eclipse in April, there’s no shortage of options. Six Flags Over Texas is hosting a“Solar Coaster”viewing party. Holland America has a 22-day Solar Eclipse Cruise. And after filling up one path-oftotality flight, Delta Air Lines has added a second, promising unadulterated views from “extra-large” windows.

But almost everything is sold out. The total solar eclipse, which will be visible from more than a dozen states, is fueling a small spending boom across the nation. Hotels are booked, campgrounds are full, and rental cars are nowhere to be found around the April 8 event. States including Arkansas and Indiana are expecting record-breaking travel and spending.

“This is likely going to be the single biggest tourism event we’ve ever had,” said Michael Pakko, an economist at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, who is projecting a statewide windfall of $105 million.“Obviously, it’s going to be a short duration — a long weekend — but for that concentrated period of time, it’s going to be a very big deal.”

It’s also rare. A total solar eclipse, in which the moon completely covers the sun for a few minutes to create a pitch-black “path of totality,” is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many. It’s been 99 years since New York had one, 218 years for Ohio.

This time around, the path of totality will stretch from Texas to Maine, covering parts of several states, including Missouri, Kentucky and Pennsylvania, along the way.

Texas, which is expected to get the biggest influx of visitors, could pocket $428 million in eclipse-related spending, according to Ray Perryman, an economist in Waco.