Solar eclipse fuels boom in astro-tourism

On the 12th August millions of people around the world will be spectators to the first solar eclipse visible across Europe in nearly three decades. And if the $1 billion tourism boost seen across America following the 2024 solar eclipse is anything to go by, Europe’s tourism is set to boom this summer.

From dedicated eclipse chasers to curious tourists and locals, interest in the rare celestial event is soaring, with over a million Google searches for “solar eclipse 2026” recorded in the past month alone.

So, as astro-tourism continues to transform once-in-a-lifetime celestial events into mainstream travel experiences, analysis by Bókun, ( https://www.bokun.io/ ) a Tripadvisor company explores how the 2026 solar eclipse will impact travel and demand for tours and experiences across Europe.

Flights to Europe totality hotspots surge by 7769%

Areas of northern Spain, Iceland and Greenland will experience the solar eclipse in totality, meaning the sky will be plunged into darkness for several minutes as the Moon completely covers the Sun.

Many other parts of Europe – including Ireland, Great Britain, Portugal, France and Italy – will experience a partial solar eclipse, with up to 96% of the Sun covered by the Moon for a brief period.

A rare and exciting event, Bókun analysed Google trends data over the past twelve months, revealing that the phenomenon is inspiring another wave of astro-tourism, as flights to some of Europe’s top predicted viewing spots surge.

n the last year alone, global Google searches for “flights to Burgos” – an area of Northern Spain inside the path of totality – have increased by 9165%, while searches for “flights to Galicia” have also surged by 4281%.

While the solar eclipse may not be the only factor contributing to this surge in interest, analysis of Google Trends data shows the spike aligns with growing anticipation for the rare celestial event taking place this August.

Beyond Spain, search demand for “flights to Keflavik” in Iceland and “flights to Greenland” – both areas in the totality path – have also increased by 250% in the past year.

It’s clear that August’s celestial event is set to impact tourism, with people from across the globe travelling to witness and planning trips around the first solar eclipse visible across Europe since 1999. 

But it’s not just destinations benefiting from eclipse fever. The data by Bókun reveals the solar eclipse is driving growing demand for experiences centred around chasing rare celestial events and bringing once niche experiences into mainstream travel.

From viewing events to boat trips – the Solar eclipse experiences set to surge

In the past year, Google searches for “astro-tourism” have increased by 2850%. From guided stargazing to celestial event chasing and astro-photography workshops, the rise in astro-tourism has had a huge impact on the tour and experience industry – and the solar eclipse is set to see interest surge even more.

Bókun’s research reveals that, over the past year, Google searches for “solar eclipse tours” have increased by 1,234%, while interest in “eclipse viewing events” is up 1,170% and searches for “eclipse private tours” have risen 918%. The surge suggests that many travellers are seeking organised tours and experiences that offer a front-row seat to the rare celestial event.

Searches for tours taking place in the European countries inside the path of totality have seen the greatest increase, with searches for “solar eclipse tour Spain” up 386% and demand for “Iceland eclipse tours” up 214% in the last year.

Demand for “solar eclipse cruises” have also seen a surge in interest, with many operators offering travellers the chance to transform the event into an unforgettable experience.

But while the solar eclipse itself will only last a matter of hours, travel experts at Bókun predict it will fuel demand for celestial travel experiences well beyond 2026.

Samuel Jefferies, Senior Growth Marketing Manager at Bókun explains

“It’s incredible to see the growing enthusiasm for astro-tourism worldwide, and how celestial events like August’s upcoming solar eclipse are shaping travel choices.

“Following the 2024 solar eclipse, reports show there was a billion dollar impact to local economies in the totality path 1 With our research highlighting strong demand for tours and experiences in destinations along the 2026 eclipse path of totality, we predict August’s event will drive even greater interest in astro-tourism and fuel a significant surge in travel to Europe’s totality hotspots this summer.

“With 2027 set to bring the “Eclipse of the Century” across southern Spain, northern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, there is also a great opportunity for tour operators in these destinations to tap into the growing demand. By promoting eclipse viewings, private excursions and guided tours for 2027 now, tour operators can appeal to the next wave of eclipse chases and inspire people to tick off bucket-list moments through the power of tours and experiences.”

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