A total solar eclipse is set to occur in North America on Monday, 8 April 2024, and data from SiteMinder has shown the advantages for hotels in the region.

Hotels in locations such as Evansville, Indiana, are witnessing a more than fivefold increase in arrivals (505%), compared to the same period in 2023.

Reflecting this surge in demand, SiteMinder’s figures show that the average cost of a hotel room in Evansville will be up 48.7%, from $224.73 in 2023 to $334.18 in 2024.

SiteMinder’s data also reveals strong numbers in Buffalo, New York, with hotel arrivals for Sunday 7 April and the following day almost three times higher (276%) than those the city saw for the same dates in 2023. Room rates have increased correspondingly, by 92.77%, from $161.56 to $311.44.

Dallas-Forth Worth-Arlington, the largest metropolitan area on the narrow path traced by the total solar eclipse, is also enjoying a two-day bonanza. According to SiteMinder’s figures, total arrivals at Dallas hotels on 7 and 8 April are up 60.71%, compared to the same period in 2023. The average room rate for the two dates has increased in line with this, by 17.77%.

The figures also reveal the great anticipation that has built up around the total solar eclipse event, with the lead time on hotel bookings in Buffalo increasing by 482.16% year-on-year to more than 130 days. Dallas has witnessed a similar year-on-year increase of 342.54%, from 35 days in 2023 to 154 days in 2024.

SiteMinder market vice-president for the Americas Jason Lugo explained: “Events such as the upcoming total solar eclipse provide an opportunity for hotels to bring in critical revenue by capitalising on surges in demand. They have ensured their visibility to eclipse-chasers to secure bookings, and employed dynamic revenue management strategies to ensure their prices reflect the demand.”