26 Mar Regional Office Of Sustainable Tourism Establishes Eclipse Helpline
Number of Adirondack visitors will be considerable; significant traffic impacts expected
The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) has established a helpline in preparation for the upcoming solar eclipse to share information and answer questions that may arise in the days leading up to the event.
The dedicated phone line (518-621-3682) is available through April 8, staffed by a team of ROOST employees who will be on hand to answer questions regarding events, viewing locations, safety considerations, parking and other questions that may arise.
The number of visitors to the region is expected to be considerable, with area lodging properties and short-term rentals reporting high occupancy throughout the weekend, with most properties at capacity on Sunday and Monday night. Visitors are expected to begin arriving as early as Friday and staying though Tuesday.
ROOST is advising local residents to prepare for heavy traffic on the weekend; with a significant to and from the region on Monday.
Jane Hooper, communications manager at ROOST, explains how increased visitation will impact local communities. “The Adirondacks lie within the 115-mile wide ‘path of totality’ of the solar eclipse, so many people have decided to experience this once-in-a-lifetime event here,” she said. “We anticipate that those with hotel reservations will likely travel to the region on Saturday and Sunday, but we do not know how many people are planning day trips to the area. The Adirondack Park is within a day’s drive from more populated regions such as Boston, New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, so the potential exists for an influx of visitors on April 8.”
Traffic on Monday may be heavy and potentially backed up at times, as many may choose to leave the region immediately after the eclipse. “It’s quite possible that many people will make the decision to travel to and from the region on Monday, depending on the weather that day,” commented Hooper. “We are recommending that people stay for the community celebrations, have dinner or to stay overnight whenever possible, rather than leaving immediately after the eclipse to help alleviate potential congestion on the roads.”
ROOST is encouraging area residents to be prepared by scheduling errands such as grocery shopping, gas, prescription refills, and other essentials in advance of the weekend to avoid crowds and traffic. “We are encouraging local residents to walk whenever possible and avoid unnecessary driving on April 8,” said Hooper.
The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism is the destination marketing and management organization for Essex and Hamilton Counties, Lake Placid Tupper Lake and Saranac Lake, all located within the Adirondacks in New York state.
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