LAKE PLACID, N.Y. (WCAX) – Preliminary numbers are in on the economic impact of tourists hitting New York’s North Country for the total solar eclipse last week.
According to New York’s Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism or ROOST, an estimated $2.7 million was spent in Essex County for overnight tourism for the eclipse. That’s a $2.2 million increase over the same period last year.
The $2.7 million number covers the estimated direct spend in the days leading up to and immediately after the eclipse. It covers traditional and short-term lodging, 95% of which were filled during the eclipse, as well as food, attractions and retail sales.
ROOST officials say the $2.7 million figure is a bit conservative, not counting day-trippers or people who stayed with family or friends.