A partial eclipse is set to take place on Wednesday evening, and large crowds are expected to gather across the South West and Channel Islands to watch it.
In Devon and Cornwall, the event will last about one hour and 50 minutes, starting at roughly 18:20 BST and finishing by 20:10.
Tourism leaders say they have not seen a significant surge in tourism or last-minute hotel bookings linked to the eclipse, but people drawn by the spectacle may have booked their accommodation well in advance.
Sarah Gibson, chief executive of Plymouth Waterfront Partnership, said the combination of the eclipse and the British Fireworks Championships in the city was sure to boost footfall.
Sally Everton, general manager of Visit Devon, said "astrotourism is an important and growing opportunity for Devon".
She added: "I have spoken with several local businesses and, so far, we have not seen a significant surge in tourism or additional hotel bookings specifically linked to the eclipse.
"We have seen increased footfall this year, although visitor spend appears to be lower. It may be that many dedicated eclipse and stargazing visitors have already arrived and planned their trips well in advance."
A range of free and ticketed events are being held in Devon and Cornwall to help people enjoy the spectacle, with venues including a beachside spot, an observatory, and a pub that has its own observatory.
Everton said: "What we are hearing locally is that many local people are planning to head to key viewing locations to experience the eclipse."
She said the eclipse highlighted the opportunities for astrotourism in the region.
"We have excellent stargazing locations, most notably Exmoor National Park, an International Dark Sky Reserve, alongside the protected landscapes of Dartmoor and other rural areas.
"Popular areas include Haytor, Hound Tor and other high points across Dartmoor, as well as Lowry Cross near Yelverton.
"Along the South Devon coast, locations such as Slapton Sands, Bantham, Bigbury and Thurlestone are also well placed, while North Devon's wide beaches at Saunton Sands, Woolacombe and Westward Ho! offer excellent open horizons."
Meanwhile, businesses have reported a last-minute rush for eclipse safety glasses as people plan to watch the event.
Peter Friend, a tourism business leader in Looe, Cornwall, said his organisation had bought 80 pairs to hand out to visitors and all had been snapped up "within 10 minutes".
In Plymouth, the British Fireworks Championships are taking place at the same time as the eclipse, with many visitors and locals expected to enjoy the spectacle on Plymouth Hoe.
Gibson said the combination of events boded well.
"We're expecting the combination of this sunny weather, the British Firework Championships and the eclipse to attract huge crowds to Plymouth's Waterfront areas.
"Every year the firework championships are a major draw to residents and visitors alike, right around Plymouth Sound, and businesses are preparing to host large numbers.
"We've one of the best locations in the South West to enjoy the eclipse so visitor footfall is sure to be boosted, though of course we encourage all those watching to ensure their safety by following the government's guidance."
Source: BBC — Read the original article
No surge in bookings but eclipse ‘boosts footfall’ in South West