Governor Hochul: Nearly 1 million people visited New York State parks statewide for eclipse

ALBANY, NY- Governor Kathy Hochul has announced record-setting tourism numbers in New York from April 6 to April 9 for the total eclipse, as visitors flocked from afar.

After analyzing data and statistics, officials have determined nearly one million people visited New York State Parks during that time frame – an increase of 45 percent compared to last year.

The New York State Thruway Authority and New York State Department of Transportation also recorded significant increases in vehicle travel, and the New York Power Authority provided nearly double the charging miles for electric vehicles when compared to the previous week.

“From majestic Niagara Falls to the mighty Adirondacks, New York was one of the best places on earth to witness this once-in-a-generation celestial event,” Governor Hochul said.

“We planned for more than a year to welcome a record number of visitors during the total solar eclipse, and those preparations helped this event go off safely and successfully.”

“It often takes a village to make the extraordinary happen, and thanks to a multi-agency effort spearheaded by Governor Hochul, this week’s solar eclipse was a rousing success for New York State," said New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez.

"People across the state heeded the warnings, arriving early and staying late to enjoy the many wonders that the Empire State has to offer. In between people got to experience a natural event that was truly out of this world. The days, weeks and months of planning were well worth it, and I was extremely proud of the role that team NYSDOT played in this once-in-a-generation event.”

NASA image.