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Eclipse Boosts Hotel Prices in Iceland & Spain
11 Aug
Summary
- Reykjavík hotel prices surged 98% due to the total solar eclipse.
- Spain expects 460,000 tourists for the eclipse viewing.
- Spanish authorities fear forest fires amid dry conditions and high traffic.
Hundreds of thousands of tourists are flocking to Europe for the first total solar eclipse visible on the continent this century, leading to significant hotel price surges. Iceland's capital, Reykjavík, has experienced one of the most dramatic increases, with room prices rising 98% to an average of over $793 on August 12th.
Spain is also preparing for a large influx, expecting 460,000 international visitors specifically for the eclipse. Cities like A Coruña saw a 135% increase in hotel rates, reaching an average of $451. Accommodation in smaller towns and rural areas along the eclipse path has been booked for months.
However, Spain faces concerns over an elevated risk of forest fires due to extremely dry temperatures. Authorities anticipate 1.5 million more car journeys than usual, potentially hindering emergency vehicle access. A large-scale operation involving 35,000 police officers is underway to minimize risks, with measures like parking bans and restrictions on barbecues and fireworks already in effect.
Meanwhile, the US space agency Nasa has set up high-powered telescopes in Villalibado, Spain, to live stream the eclipse. A partial solar eclipse will also be visible in the UK, reaching its peak coverage in London at 7:12 PM.
