Even though as many as 4 million tourists are expected to travel, only some were planning to travel to New Hampshire and Maine for the total solar eclipse on April 8th. Even fewer people already live there.
In fact, according to GreatAmericanEclipse.com, only 12,000 and 99,000 people lived within the notoriously cloudy trails of New Hampshire and Maine, most of whom were predicted to have perfect sunny weather. They were concentrated in Texas and Arkansas.
opposite view
In the end, the opposite happened, with sunny skies in New Hampshire and Maine, allowing those states to reap big economic benefits, according to new data from the Mastercard Economic Research Institute.
By compiling MasterCard transaction data, data experts estimated the economic boost for each of the 13 U.S. states that fully transitioned on April 8. The data focuses on three main spending areas: hotels, fuel and food and beverages.
Hotel Spike 71%
In New Hampshire, hotel sales increased by a whopping 729% compared to if the eclipse had not occurred. That's no doubt due to the fact that thousands of eclipse enthusiasts changed their plans at the last minute, abandoning Texas, where cloud cover was expected, and heading instead to the “Granite State.” Other states also saw significant increases in sales, including Illinois with his 316% and Maine with his 240%.
Overall, hotel revenue increased by 71% overall.
Increase in fuel sales
For many, this was an “interstate eclipse” in that the best way to get into it from many large cities, including San Antonio, Austin, Oklahoma City, Cincinnati, and Columbus, was to drive. was. This also applies to switching locations depending on the weather, as many interstates run along the road.
The Mastercard Economic Research Institute reports that fuel sales increased 7% daily across all channels, with fuel sales increasing 26% in New Hampshire and Maine and 17% in Vermont and Missouri, the two largest states in the country. % achieved.
dinner winner
Maine (103%), New Hampshire (98%) and Illinois (67%) won again for food and beverage sales from Friday, April 5th to Monday, April 8th. Overall, food and beverage sales increased by an average of 27%. .
“While the eclipse was a celestial phenomenon, it was also a testament to the experience economy,” said Michelle Meyer, chief economist at the Mastercard Economics Institute. “The impact has been staggering, with spending skyrocketing.” Fuel, lodging, and meals are paid for in some states, proving that consumers continue to prioritize spending on experiences, especially when they include travel for can't-miss events. I am. ”
I wish you clear skies and big eyes.