DAYTON, Ohio — With the total solar eclipse less than a month away, excitement is building and hotel rooms are disappearing fast in cities along the path of totality. According to Expedia® data, Dayton, Ohio is one of the top destinations experiencing a surge in eclipse-chasing tourists, with hotel searches spiking a whopping 705% compared to last year.
“The total solar eclipse is just one month from now, and there are still three-star hotels available in Dallas for $126 a night and $107 in Dayton,” said Melanie Fish, head of Expedia Group Brands public relations.
The upcoming eclipse on April 8th will see a 124-mile-wide band of Ohio plunged into total darkness for a brief period. This rare celestial phenomenon, the first of its kind to be visible in Ohio since 1806, is expected to draw in a massive crowd. Estimates from the Ohio Emergency Management Agency suggest tourist numbers could reach anywhere between 150,000 and half a million.
For those hoping to witness the awe-inspiring sight of a total eclipse, time is running out. With hotel rooms filling up fast, those interested are urged to secure their accommodations as soon as possible.