On April 3, 2024

Economic impact of total solar eclipse could top $50m

State Treasurer Mike Pieciak released a report estimating the economic impact of the April 8 total solar eclipse could range between $12.9 million and $51.8 million. The actual economic impact rests on the total number of visitors who travel to Vermont for the eclipse, which highly depends on the April 8 weather forecast.

“The economic impact of the total solar eclipse could be significant for Vermont, and the benefits will be even greater considering April is generally a slow period for Vermont’s tourism industry,” said Treasurer Pieciak. “This will be a boon to our state’s coffers, with millions of dollars in tax revenues likely to be collected.”

The economic impact is based on the estimated number of visitors who will travel to Vermont and the estimated dollars each visitor will spend while in Vermont. The Great American Eclipse provides an estimated range of the number of visitors who will travel to Vermont with a low of 52,000 visitors and a high of 208,000 visitors.

The Treasurer’s Office estimates that on average each visitor will spend $249.28 while visiting Vermont. The estimate was derived from economic analyses prepared by Wyoming, Nebraska, and South Carolina following the 2017 total solar eclipse. Wyoming generated $3.8 million in tax revenue after nearly 200,000 people visited the state for the 2017 eclipse. (Figures are adjusted for inflation.)

It is possible Vermont’s economic benefits will be even greater than the 2017 total solar eclipse. The period of total darkness for the April 8 eclipse is expected to be over a minute longer than the 2017 eclipse. And unlike in 2017 when the next U.S. eclipse was only seven years away, the next U.S. eclipse will not happen for another 21 years.

Vermont is also more accessible to the large population centers of the Boston and New York greater metro areas.

See page 20-21 for eclipse related information and events.

Do you want to submit feedback to the editor?

Send Us An Email!

Related Posts

The VSO Jukebox series brings intimacy and accessibility to classical music

November 13, 2024
By James Kent There is such an excitement and enthusiasm to Matt LaRocca’s voice that after speaking with him for a few minutes, one can’t escape the feeling that they know him, have been friends for years, and can’t wait to hang out and talk again. LaRocca curates The Vermont Symphony Orchestra’s (VSO) Jukebox series,…

Killington Resort’s Mike Solimano honored with the Sen. Leahy Trailblazer Award

November 13, 2024
The Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance (VOBA) announced Tuesday, Nov. 12, that the fourth annual U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy Trailblazer Award has been awarded to Mike Solimano, president and CEO of Killington Resort & Pico Mountain. The award, first given to and named for Sen. Patrick Leahy, honors an individual’s lifetime of service in Vermont’s outdoor…

Downtown Rutland is poised for major change

November 13, 2024
News of Walmart’s exit coupled by planned developments, including a downtown hotel and theatre expansion, has sparked talk of opportunity By Kevin O’Connor/VTDigger Thirty years ago, in the fall of 1994, Rutland City leaders eagerly awaited news of final plans for the cornerstone of their long-germinating downtown revitalization efforts: A new $20 million corporate headquarters…

Seventh Heaven Salon & Boutique reflects on past year, success in Killington

November 13, 2024
By James Kent Hair stylist and manager Katelyn Stewart and owner Peggy Campney moved their thriving hair salon and boutique from Ludlow to Killington last year after the July 2023 floods made it impossible for their business to continue in their current location. When the opportunity presented itself to Stewart and Campney, they exchanged one…