{"id":158,"date":"2017-07-21T18:48:18","date_gmt":"2017-07-21T18:48:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/allthingshospitality.com\/blog\/?p=158"},"modified":"2019-03-04T18:20:42","modified_gmt":"2019-03-04T18:20:42","slug":"solar-eclipse-2017","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/allthingshospitality.com\/blog\/2017\/07\/solar-eclipse-2017\/","title":{"rendered":"Is your hotel ready for the 2017 Solar Eclipse?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Is your hotel ready for 2017’s total solar eclipse on August 21? The sun will disappear behind the moon, turning daylight into twilight, causing the temperature to drop rapidly and revealing massive streams of light streaking through the sky around the silhouette of the moon. These two minutes in August promise to cause one of the heaviest travel periods in history as millions make their way to the U.S. for one of nature\u2019s most fascinating sights visible once every 99 years.<\/p>\n

Experts predict this could be the most-watched eclipse in the history of mankind – sending from 7.5 million to 20 million or more travelers to prime viewing areas in the path of totality stretching from Oregon to South Carolina. Epic travel on this scale is rife with potential for amazing experiences or epic failures \u2013 in the form of disgruntled or disappointed guests.<\/p>\n

Follow these preparation tips to optimize this once-in-a-lifetime experience – for both your hotel and your guests.<\/p>\n

TARGET COMMITTED ECLIPSE CHASERS<\/h2>\n

Experts anticipate travelers from around the globe to descend on the 70-mile wide path across the continental United States called the Path of Totality. Follow the tips below to reach eclipse chasers headed for your city.<\/p>\n

Protect Inventory<\/h3>\n

Set proper arrival and length of stay restrictions to draw the most committed celestial fans, likely to arrive days before the eclipse in hopes of avoiding what could be the largest traffic jam in the history of the universe.<\/p>\n

Get the Word Out Via Social<\/h3>\n

Still have rooms to sell? Use social media and email campaigns to alert late bookers that you have rooms available. With many of the major cities already sold out, people may assume all hotels are full. Determine drive markets for your area with GreatAmericanEclipse.com\u2019s \u201cDrive times to the centerline\u201d map<\/a>. Reach potential travelers living in these markets with geo-targeted campaigns.<\/p>\n

Maximize Rate with a Solar Eclipse Viewing Packages<\/h3>\n

\"IPackage your guest room with eclipse glasses designed for solar viewing, viewing party VIP seating, free parking, and custom branded \u201cI survived the path of totality!\u201d and \u201cEpic Mooning\u201d bumper stickers, t-shirts, glowsticks and coffee mugs (click here to order with your brand).<\/p>\n

Promote your pet-friendly hotel to pet owners who want to experience this phenomenon with their canine and feline family members, who experts agree will likely exhibit interesting behavior during the sudden mid-day darkness.<\/p>\n

Even if your hotel\u2019s city isn\u2019t in the path of totality, there\u2019s still an opportunity to reach travelers displaced from nearby areas, along heavily trafficked areas, or travelers unable to book in the busiest cities. Visit eclipse2017.org to see if your hotel is in the path of totality<\/a>.<\/p>\n

PARKING!!!<\/h3>\n

After navigating the biggest traffic jam in history, the next biggest goal will be finding $%&# parking. Plan in advance to protect your valuable parking for guests.<\/p>\n

MAKE IT MEMORABLE<\/h2>\n

Guests traveling hundreds, even thousands of miles for this historic experience will want to make the most of it. Plan eclipse related activities and events to keep your guests entertained and in-house.<\/p>\n