A total solar eclipse predicted for August 12 is sparking strong interest among European travelers and boosting tourist bookings, especially in inland regions of Spain. According to the radio’s website, the astronomical phenomenon is leading many Portuguese people to look for destinations with better conditions to observe the rare alignment between the Moon, the Earth and the Sun.
According to data released by the Airbnb platform, the event is becoming a tourist phenomenon. The company even considers that it could be “one of the defining travel moments of the decade”, leading thousands of people to plan specific trips to watch the eclipse.
Demand for rural areas grows
Searches for accommodation have increased, especially in less urbanized regions, where observation conditions are considered more favorable. According to the same source, “bookings in non-urban destinations along the eclipse path tripled for the week of the event”.
This growth reflects a growing trend among travelers seeking less polluted skies and more open horizons. The publication adds that many of these locations are small villages or rural municipalities with low population density.
Portuguese among those interested
The platform’s data indicates that Portugal is among the countries that contribute most to the increase in demand. According to the same source, the Portuguese join travelers from France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Belgium in looking for accommodation along the eclipse route.
A survey carried out by Opinium for Airbnb also shows that interest in the phenomenon is high. According to the results cited by the radio station, more than half of adults consider it worth traveling to watch a rare total solar eclipse.
Among the Spanish areas that register the greatest growth in searches for accommodation, several inland regions stand out. Aragão leads the list, with an increase of more than 450% in searches during the days of the phenomenon.
According to the same source, Castilla-La Mancha comes next, with an increase of close to 420%. The Valencian Community also shows growth of more than 250%, while Navarra and Cantabria record significant increases in searches for accommodation.
Expected economic impact
Increased tourist demand could also translate into economic impact for locations along the eclipse’s path. According to data released by Airbnb, European travelers should spend an average of around 680 euros per trip.
This amount includes expenses with accommodation, food, local commerce and activities associated with the astronomical event. According to the same source, the amount represents around 100 euros above the average expenditure of Spanish visitors.
A rare phenomenon also visible in Portugal
Although Spain is at the center of tourist demand, Portugal will also have a privileged vantage point to observe the eclipse. According to Renaissance, the entirety of the phenomenon will only be visible in a small area in the northeast of the country.
The village of Guadramil, in the municipality of Bragança, should become one of the main observation points. According to the same source, the eclipse will reach its maximum point at around 7:30 pm and for around 26 seconds “the Moon will completely cover the Sun”, creating a rare moment that has not been repeated in the country since 1912.
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