Study: Visitor spending totaled $6.6M in Evansville region during eclipse
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A new report commissioned by Explore Evansville found that tourism spending in southwest Indiana during the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse in April totaled $6.6 million.
The study, conducted by Pennsylvania-based Rockport Analytics, focused on the economic impact of the eclipse in Posey, Gibson, Vanderburgh and Warrick counties.
The study covered eclipse tourism in the region from April 5-9, 2024. The eclipse itself took place on April 8.
According to the study, the total visitor volume during the five-day period was 150,382, with just over 40,000 visitors specifically coming to the region because of the eclipse.
The total amount of tourism spending was $6.6 million, with the increased activity generating about $4.6 million in direct business impact, the study found.
Rockport Analytics used a variety of data to determine the results, including geolocation and credit card spend data, lodging statistics, and tax data.
“The 2024 solar eclipse was a once-in-a-generation event, attracting visitors from across the state and beyond,” Explore Evansville said in a news release. “The findings of this study underscore the substantial economic benefits that such unique events can bring to Indiana communities.”
Last month, the Indiana Destination Development Corp. estimated that the eclipse generated nearly $150 million in economic impact statewide.