DON’T BE LEFT IN THE DARK!

SHORES & ISLANDS OHIO, April 4, 2023 – Where will you be one year from now? Don’t be left in the dark when it comes to the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse! With unobstructed views on Lake Erie or in the acres of greenspace throughout the area and special viewing parties in our coastal communities, Shores & Islands Ohio is an ideal location to witness the celestial event.

The destination marketing organization is launching a web page this week, one year ahead of the big event, as a resource to help visitors safely enjoy the solar eclipse while providing information about local events and activities related to this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The last total solar eclipse in Ohio was in 1806 and the next total solar eclipse in Ohio will not be until 2444.

The site, SHORESandISLANDS.com/solar-eclipse, will provide information on all solar eclipse-related events and promotions in the area as well as information to help visitors plan their stay such as lodging, restaurants, attractions, and things to do. There is even a chart included that provides information on the destination’s communities, exact time the totality will start in the community, and the duration of the totality so guests can make an informed decision on where to best enjoy the view. The site will also include information on how visitors can pick up complimentary solar eclipse viewing glasses from our welcome centers and other area partners.

The site will be continuously updated throughout the upcoming year as new events and promotions are planned. It even includes an online form for local businesses and communities to add their eclipse event information. Once a form is completed, the event details will be added to the calendar. Event information will include dates, times, and a link to the event organizer website. With the total solar eclipse happening on a Monday, Shores & Islands Ohio is encouraging partners to host festivals and events throughout the entire weekend to encourage visitors to arrive early and stay late! With the surge of visitors comes increased traffic. It would be ideal for guests to stay for several days rather than trying to arrive and depart on the same day.

Shores & Islands Ohio Director of Sales & Marketing, Chris Lewis, believes the region should expect a pretty big influx of visitors for the event. Total estimated visitors coming to Ohio is between 139,000 and 556,000, with a high percentage of those coming to the Shores & Islands Ohio region. It is expected that the local population could triple or quadruple on the day of the eclipse! Local agencies are working together and meeting regularly to coordinate a safe and pleasant experience for guests. Said Lewis, “Shores & Islands Ohio is an ideal location to experience the solar eclipse. There are going to be a lot of creative festivals and events planned. Even in April, the region offers so much to do for guests before, during, and after the eclipse. Visitors coming to witness the once-in-a-lifetime event can easily turn their trip into a celestial vacation.”

So don’t be left in the dark…visit SHORESandISLANDS.com/solar-eclipse to start planning your getaway now!

###