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Spain's eagerly-anticipated total solar eclipse on Wednesday August 12 is already proving to be a major tourism draw, with hotel bookings soaring in parts of the country that don't normally feature on summer holiday itineraries.

 

New figures from Booking.com show that international searches for accommodation on the night of August 12 to 13 have increased dramatically in several northern and inland provinces as travellers look for the best places to witness one of Europe's most exciting astronomical events.

 

The biggest surge has been recorded in Soria, where international accommodation searches are up an incredible 522% compared with the same period last year. León follows with a 356% increase, ahead of Palencia (345%), Burgos (325%), Teruel (230%), Lugo (198%), Valladolid (161%) and Oviedo (115%).

 

Spanish travellers are also planning eclipse-themed breaks. Domestic searches have risen most sharply in Palencia, up 121%, followed by A Coruña (64%), Soria (49%), Guadalajara (22%) and Teruel (20%).

 

Rather than heading to the coast, many visitors are choosing rural areas known for clear skies, wide open landscapes and very little light pollution, giving them the best possible chance of enjoying the eclipse in all its glory.

 

Booking.com says the trend is also bringing welcome business to smaller destinations that often miss out during the peak holiday season.

 

Pilar Crespo, Country Manager for Booking.com in Spain, said the growing demand reflects people's increasing interest in travel centred around unique experiences. She added that events like the eclipse also provide an opportunity to shine a spotlight on lesser-known parts of Spain and give a boost to local tourism businesses.

 

To cater for the influx of visitors, a number of hotels are even promoting special eclipse experiences.

 

Among them are La Torre del Visco, a restored 15th-century country estate in Teruel that's well known for its dark skies, Hotel Rural O Cruce do Burgo in Galicia, the Michelin-starred Molino de Alcuneza near Sigüenza and ARVA Santiago in León, which is planning dedicated eclipse viewing in its gardens.

 

The total solar eclipse is expected to attract thousands of visitors from across Spain and overseas, making it one of the biggest tourism events of the summer for many inland towns that rarely enjoy the spotlight during the traditional holiday season.