Central Texas gets ready for economic boom as huge wave of tourists arrive to see eclipse

When more than 31 million eyes protected with special glasses are on the total solar eclipse April 8, Dan Lange and his family will be among them.

Lange will make the 16-hour trek in his red four-wheel drive Tundra to view the eclipse in Temple, north of Austin. 

Traveling from Owatonna, Minn., with him will be his wife, Jill, their youngest son Sam, 20, the family schnauzer, Lucy, and the family parrot, Pearl. Lange's oldest son, Andrew, 31, who lives in Austin, also will partake in what Lange calls a "once-in-a-lifetime experience."

More:What is the path of the 2024 solar eclipse in Texas? See interactive map

"To see a comet or make a wish on a falling star can be a treat, but to witness a total solar eclipse – that in itself is one of the greatest celestial events we will ever witness," said Lange, who has seen a few partial eclipses, but never a total eclipse. "We should take advantage when the heavens give us a show."

He and his family will be staying with his father, Marvin. Marvin, born in 1928 and now 96 years old, recalls seeing a total eclipse in 1935 when he was about 7 years old.

"And now he's about to see his second – that's pretty impressive," said Lange, 60, a retired registered nurse.

He's especially thrilled that Temple is in the center of the path of totality, the point where the moon will be fully blocking the sun.

"In the center of that totality, you'll witness several minutes where the sun disappears. That's kick a--," Lange said.

He said he'll bring along two fully exposed X-ray films to protect his eyes so he can safely view the sight. This spring, the moon will completely block the sun for up to four minutes.

Big economic boom for Central Texas

Although Austin won't be the best place in Central Texas to see the eclipse, the city is going to see a boom.

Visit Austin, the city's convention and visitors' bureau, estimates downtown hotels are currently at 73% occupancy for early April. Across the city, hotels are averaging 50% occupancy. Those numbers are expected to rise.

According to Airbnb, Texas is among the most-booked states across North America on Airbnb for the solar eclipse, with guests flocking here from around the world.  

More:Austin will be cast in complete darkness by total solar eclipse in April. What we know.

Austin, the Hill Country and Dallas are some of the most booked cities in North America for the eclipse, with Houston being home to the most eclipse-chasers who are booking travel across the path of totality in North America, Airbnb said. 

"We’re seeing interest across the entire state, with a nearly 600% surge in searches on the platform for Texas over the solar eclipse weekend," Airbnb said in a statement.

A billion-dollar economic windfall looks to sweep across the part of the U.S. in the path of the eclipse, according to Forbes.

"From surges in demand for hotels, flights and rental cars to meals, the filling up of gas tanks at local gas stations, tickets for events, souvenirs and post-eclipse bottles of champagne, a welcome economic boon for local communities will trail in the wake of the moon’s dark shadow. It could be like having 50 Super Bowls happening at the same time across the country," the publication said.

For eclipse watchers who want to experience the event in nature, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will release park day passes at 8 a.m. March 8. Most camping reservations have been sold out since November.

How Austin and other Central Texas cities are responding

The city’s 911 Emergency Communications Center will increase staffing April 6-9 to address the potential for additional calls. The Austin Fire Department, Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services and Austin Police Department will also increase staffing during this time.

With an increase in visitors, cellular service could be affected. The Travis County Amateur Emergency Service team will also provide backup radio support in the region as needed.

More:Delta Air Lines is offering 2024 solar eclipse flight from Austin to Detroit

Meanwhile, other Texas communities are preparing for an influx of visitors pouring in to see the eclipse.

In a Facebook post, Llano Mayor Marion Bishop encouraged residents to stock up on food and supplies in preparation for the event. He advised residents to make sure they have two weeks of groceries, a full gas tank, filled prescriptions and any other necessary supplies by April 1, a week before the eclipse.

Bishop said buying supplies and groceries ahead of the event will give retailers time to restock before the flood of visitors from out of town. He also warned residents to be aware of increased traffic in the area and to stay home for a few days if necessary.

In addition, officials in Bell County, where Temple is located, issued a disaster declaration ahead of the eclipse, citing the risk of extreme traffic congestion and a possible strain on first responders, groceries and fuel.

With flood of visitors on the way, it's a dream for many

Lange is psyched about the spectacle he and his family will soon witness unfold in the sky, after making the 1,000-mile journey to Temple, family pets in tow.

Pearl, an African grey parrot who will turn 5 years old on July 1, can speak 150 phrases and "doesn't shut up," Lange said. However, she typically quiets down on road trips like the upcoming one to Texas.

More:An ultimate guide to total solar eclipse 2024 events in Central Texas

Lange says his life thus far has been both "magic and tragic" (as a nurse he saw his share of trauma) – but with his first total solar eclipse on April 8, he'll add a notch in the magic column.

"Considering historically solar eclipses have been known to topple royal families and to start wars – because it's something we didn't understand in our scientific ignorance of long ago – we should enjoy it for what it is, one of the greatest celestial events in the universe," he said. "In a lifetime, you see some wondrous things, and this is one of them. It should not be taken for granted."