Buffalo, New York is gearing up for a surge in visitors as millions of Americans prepare to travel to witness a rare solar eclipse. Hotel rates in states along the eclipse’s path have skyrocketed, leaving many travelers frustrated after their reservations were canceled and resold at exorbitant prices.
The moon’s path of totality is set to sweep across 15 states, including parts of Mexico and Canada, bringing with it a projected economic boost of over a billion dollars for local economies. As anticipation builds for this celestial event, accommodation in the prime viewing areas has become scarce, with prices soaring to unprecedented levels.
In Buffalo, New York, where a million visitors are expected to flock for a prime viewing spot, hotel and flight bookings have surged significantly compared to previous years. The high demand has prompted some hotels to cancel existing reservations made years in advance and resell them at inflated prices, causing frustration among travelers.
One travel agency in Buffalo had to rearrange lodging for over 150 people who had their bookings at two hotels canceled and resold at triple the original price. The owner of Sugar Tours, Chris Donnelly, expressed outrage at the apparent price gouging, calling it a blatant disregard for customers’ trust and loyalty.
Manga Hotel Group, which owns the Aloft Buffalo Airport and Hampton Inn & Suites Buffalo Airport, attributed the cancellations to overbooking errors but stated that no canceled rooms were resold as new reservations. The region’s tourism bureau, Visit Buffalo Niagara (VBN), condemned the practice of canceling room bookings and emphasized the importance of prioritizing visitors’ experiences over profits.
The eclipse presents a unique opportunity for cities like Buffalo to showcase their hospitality and attract visitors from far and wide. However, the recent controversy over hotel cancellations and price hikes serves as a reminder of the challenges that come with managing such high-demand events. As the eclipse draws near, it remains to be seen how the affected travelers and businesses will navigate this unprecedented situation.