- Millions of tourists are expected to boost the economies of Texas and New York during the eclipse.
- Hotels, eyewear manufacturers, and even skydiving companies are preparing to expand their business.
- One study predicts that the eclipse could bring nearly $1.6 billion in benefits to the U.S. economy.
As millions of Americans prepare to watch Monday's total solar eclipse, which NASA describes as a rare and “spectacular” event, the phenomenon will also boost local economies. .
Various industries are poised to benefit from the millions of tourists flocking to cities in Texas, Ohio and New York, which are on the eclipse's “pathway” and offer the best views of the ring around the sun. are in place.
According to NASA, this year's solar eclipse will last three to four minutes, longer than the previous solar eclipse in 2017. Those who missed this eclipse won't be able to see the next one in the continental United States until 2044 or 2045, the bureau said.
Up to 3.7 million people expected to travel The eclipse's path will join the 31 million people already living along this stretch, according to predictions from the eclipse tracking website Great American Eclipse.
Visitors expect to spend big: Up to $1.6 billion on lodging, activities, meals and gas, says Texas-based economic consulting firm Perryman Group estimates.
Here are some industries that will see a big boost from Monday's solar eclipse.
Hotel and Airbnb reservations
According to the New York Times, budget hotel chain Super 8 has more than 300 stores within the infection corridor. About 100 of these hotels are fully booked on Sunday or Monday, according to the hotel chain's website.
The 2-star Super 8 branch in Grayville, Illinois, is advertising rooms from $765 to $949 Sunday through Tuesday. According to the Super 8 website, room rates on most days are typically $80.
Luxury hotels are seeing a similar spike. The JW Marriott in Dallas was listing a standard room for $1,039 on Sunday night. Regular prices range from $355 to $482, according to the website.
Visitors are also flocking to Airbnb. As of March 25, occupancy rates rose to 88% across 110,000 active properties aiming for completeness as of April 7, according to vacation rental data firm AirDNA.
The largest glasses manufacturer is sold out
Staring directly at the sun during a solar eclipse can permanently damage your vision, so NASA recommends certain sun-filtering glasses.
Eye protection guidelines have led to huge sales for some eyeglass manufacturers.
Tennessee-based American Paper Optics, the nation's largest manufacturer of eclipse safety glasses, saw a significant increase in sales compared to the last total solar eclipse in 2017.
Company founder John Gerritt told NPR on Friday that the company began accepting orders for the Eclipse two years ago. The glasses sold for $1.50 to $2 each.
“We've already shipped about 70 million glasses, and I think by next week we'll be closer to 75 million,” Gerritt said.
American Paper Optics is sold out of glasses this year after producing about 30 million more glasses than during the 2017 total solar eclipse, according to sales numbers on the company's website.
Eclipse skydiving attracts thrill seekers
Some adrenaline junkies looking for a new perspective plan to jump during totality and enjoy the darkness from the sky.
A group of 30 skydivers is scheduled to take the plunge in upstate New York on Monday, according to Fox News. Tickets for the dive, organized by local company Skydive the Falls, sold out within seven minutes after it went live in January.
“We jump a minute before total tide, so you can enjoy the full tide under your parachute,” Jason Berger, co-owner of Skydive the Falls, told Fox News.
A similar event in Dallas sold out $249 eclipse skydiving tickets.
For sun watchers on the ground, restaurants are making the most of the celestial phenomenon by offering eclipse menus and specials. Eateries such as Smoothie King, Applebee's, and Sonic are celebrating the day by offering special eclipse-themed smoothies, margaritas, and “blackout” drinks.