How will eclipse-driven tourism impact the state economy?
Texas Wants to Know · Audacy
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Show Notes
As many as 1 million people could descend on Texas this weekend to see the total solar eclipse on Monday. Cities along the path of totality, like Del Rio and Hillsboro, will host festivals in an effort to capitalize on the phenomenon, which hasn't happened in Texas since 1878.
What will the influx of visitors mean for communities in the path of totality? Dr. Cullum Clark of the Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative says it could make a big impact, but it will be short-lived, while organizers of the Cosmic Cowboy Eclipse Festival in Hillsboro and the Solar Eclipse Fest in Del Rio say they anticipate a boost to hotels and businesses in their cities.
In Bell County, which is in Central Texas, Judge David Blackburn made headlines in February when he preemptively declared a state of emergency. He also joins Texas Wants to Know to explain the decision.