April demand for hotel rooms and short-term stay rentals in Hamilton County is higher than in 2023 and outpacing Indiana as a whole, according to data provided by data aggregators TravelClick and AirDNA.
Much of the demand increase is driven by interest in the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8.
Myers
“Hamilton County may not be the epicenter of the upcoming solar eclipse, but it definitely is seeing interest due to wonderful programs being offered by our community partners,” Hamilton County Tourism President and CEO Brenda Myers said. “Hamilton County Tourism’s eclipse-focused digital and social media campaign targets areas of Indiana, Chicago and Michigan, and we’re optimistic we will see economic benefit.”
Demand for hotel rooms is up 45 percent year-over-year, and short-term stay home rentals are also well above average for April. In total, 75 percent of listings for home rentals are booked for the month of April, or more than 13 percent over 2023.
Much of those additional rooms are booked by leisure travelers, and not just by those here on business or group sports visitors, although that demand does increase later in April. These leisure travelers in early April include eclipse watchers and spring breakers, as well as sports, group, and business travelers.
Buckner
Sarah Buckner, Hamilton County Tourism’s assistant director of community engagement, noted the cooperation among county and city partners is unprecedented, and the community is ready to make the phenomenon safe and enjoyable for all.
“This community is ready,” Buckner said, “for not only the eclipse, but for all that’s happening during a very busy April.”
About Hamilton County Tourism
Hamilton County Tourism Inc. is a nonprofit, destination management organization that promotes tourism growth through strategic marketing, hospitality and development initiatives providing hospitality to more than four million visitors to Hamilton County each year.