Dayton looks to win with 2024 total eclipses

All eyes now turn toward 2024 when Dayton will be in the eclipse path of totality and the city is hoping to learn from today’s eclipse to capitalize on the future skies.

>>PHOTO GALLERY: Eclipse images

>>WATCH:  Montage of Miami Valley eclipse

Cities across the U.S in the path of totality today including Madris, Oregon, and Columbia, S. C., prepared for an influx of people in the days leading up to today’s eclipse.

“We have the unique opportunity to sit back for this one- watch how it goes and see what kind of economic impact these communities get and take advantage of that in 2024,” said Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce marketing and communications director Holly Allen.

Allen said some towns invested in extensive marketing and consultants.

“They spent a lot of money in preparation and the consultants were telling them that the eclipse chasers were spending $5,000 a piece- that’s a big economic impact- but they don’t know for sure if that’s what they are going to get in return,” said Allen.

She expects Dayton eclipse 2024 planning meetings will begin in about two years.

Eclipse watcher and U.D. student Chris LaReau, was excited for today’s eclipse but is already thinking ahead to the totality.

“I like living in the moment, but probably in the future I will try to plan out for it,” said LaReau.

Glen McMurry took his son’s Jack and Layton to the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery for today’s eclipse viewing party.

He said 2024 isn’t even in his sights yet, but he’s all for planning ahead.

“I think it’s cool. There are a lot of things that you can get excited about and this a cool one. I think it’s neat that people are getting involved,” said McMurry.

Several hotel chains in the Dayton area were contacted today to see if any one is looking to book a room for 2024 already, and none have recieved calls. However, if they did, customers would be turned away, because most hotels can’t book rooms more than two years ahead of time.

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