The upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8 has sparked a surge in tourism in the resort town of Mazatlán, Mexico. The town, known for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture, is expected to attract a significant influx of visitors eager to witness the celestial event.
According to a recent report from Airbnb, there has been a remarkable 1,000% increase in searches for rental listings in North American cities along the path of totality compared to the same period last year. Mazatlán emerged as the second most popular city among them, following Austin, Texas, and has become one of the top trending international destinations for U.S. travelers.
Tourism officials in the state of Sinaloa anticipate approximately 120,000 visitors, and the town’s numerous hotels are nearly fully booked for the occasion. With Craigslist and local Facebook pages flooded with offers for rooms, apartments, condos, and homes for rent, the demand for accommodation during the eclipse week is soaring.
However, one American retiree, Janet Blaser, who resided in Mazatlán for over a decade, has chosen to forego the opportunity to capitalize on the lucrative rental market during the celestial phenomenon. Despite the potential to earn a substantial income by renting out her apartment at exorbitant rates, Janet has made the decision to abstain from participating in the rental frenzy.
Reports of individuals renting their properties for inflated prices during the eclipse week have been circulating for approximately three years. Instances of bookings being made and paid for in full without physical inspection, as well as rentals being offered at significantly elevated rates, have become increasingly common. Eric and Jenna Streit, who relocated to Mazatlán from Los Angeles, were offered $400 a night for their rental units, which typically rent for $40 – $50 a night on Airbnb. Despite the lucrative opportunity, they have opted not to capitalize on the event due to personal reasons.
While the potential to earn substantial profits from the surge in demand for accommodation during the eclipse week is evident, Janet Blaser and several others have chosen not to partake in the rental frenzy, citing personal reasons and a desire to abstain from capitalizing on the extraordinary event.
