- Millions of tourists have gathered along a strip of North America to witness the solar eclipse.
- The wave of eclipse tourism is expected to boost economies and local Artisans, restaurants, and businesses have been preparing.
- This is how the communities lucky enough to lie in its path are tapping into eclipse fervor.
Millions of people are gathering across North America to watch the total solar eclipse on Monday.
The best views of the eclipse can be found along a route that stretches across 13 states, known as the “path of totality.” Its where AirBnbs have been booked up, and the biggest festivities are planned.
Up to 3.7 million people are expected to travel to the area — which cuts a diagonal line across the US from Texas to Maine — to see the eclipse, joining the 31 million who already live along its trajectory.
Altogether, the phenomenon could deliver a $1.6 billion boost to local economies, according to the Texas-based economic consultancy Perryman Group.
From eclipse-themed festivals to special deals and commemorative souvenirs, this is how local communities and businesses have been gearing up to welcome eclipse tourists and cash in on Monday’s rare celestial phenomenon.
