On April 8, a total solar eclipse will pass over Mexico, the United States, and Canada, creating a night-like darkness. This rare event, not to return to the United States until 2033, is set to attract a large number of travelers. With 40 million people living in the eclipse's path, which crosses 15 states in the United States, the eclipse could become a major travel driver.
Total Solar Eclipse Expected to Boost Travel Across the United States
A total solar eclipse is expected to draw a large crowd to the United States on April 8. This rare event, where the sun is completely blocked by the moon, will make the day turn dark. It will be seen in Mexico, the United States, and Canada, but won't be back in the United States until 2033. This makes it a unique chance for people to witness something special.
Experts believe this eclipse might be the most watched sky event ever, comparing it to "50 Super Bowls happening at once," according to Breaking Travel News. About 40 million people live in the areas where the eclipse will be in total, which includes 15 states in the United States. This has led to a big demand for trips and places to stay in these areas.
Online travel platforms are preparing for the rush. Civitatis, a service for Spanish-speaking travelers, advises focusing on the domestic market, especially Spanish speakers. They suggest offering special deals and partnering with other travel companies to create eclipse-themed trips. PriceTravel Holding, a big travel company in Latin America, has seen increased interest in Mexico and other destinations in the eclipse's path. They recommend targeting family travelers, as the eclipse happens during the Easter holidays.
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However, TourReview warns that the large number of visitors might lead to negative online reviews due to crowded places and high prices. They advise thinking about these issues in advance. WayAway, a U.S.-based travel comparison site, suggests offering discounts to encourage early bookings and promote less busy destinations.
For business travelers, Traxo warns of the need for companies to keep track of their employees' travel plans during this time. This event might mix business and leisure travel, making it harder for companies to know where their employees are.
Sees Boost in International Travel
The United States is welcoming more international air travelers, as recent data from the National Travel and Tourism Office shows. In the second quarter of 2023, visitors from overseas spent a total of $18.9 billion, a 33% increase from the same time in 2022.
Key facts reveal that these travelers, on average, earned $95,311, stayed for 19 days, and spent $1,933 on their trips, as revealed by Skift. Over 7.7 million people visited from abroad, with Europe leading with over 3.3 million visitors. Most of them, about 61%, traveled alone. The main reason for these trips was vacation, at 53%.
Business trips to the United States also grew, reaching 18% from last year's 14%. The top places they visited were New York, Florida, and California.
Travel from neighboring countries also rose. Over 720,000 visitors flew in from Mexico, spending an average of $1,271, mainly visiting Texas, California, and Florida. Over 2.6 million people from Canada arrived, spending about $1,164 per trip, with Florida, California, and Nevada being their preferred destinations. Both Canadian and Mexican visitors also showed an increased interest in business travel.
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