Airbnb celebrated the city's emergence as the most booked destination for travelers traveling to experience the total solar eclipse during an event held at White River State Park on Friday. We distributed free eclipse glasses to hundreds of hosts.
“Last year, we noted that Indianapolis was on the rise as a top travel destination in 2024, and the eclipse only added to that excitement,” Airbnb spokesperson Haven Thorne told IndyStar. told. “And what we're seeing is an incredible increase in interest and demand for Airbnb.”
About 30% of Airbnb homes in the city are still available for reservation, including rental homes and private rooms, he said.
The 60 or so homes available range from more than $300 a night for small homes to more than $1,000 a night for three-bedroom homes.
Airbnb's business has grown as the company sells stays as a personalized alternative to hotels, with options ranging from affordable rooms in homes to mansions where you can host a bachelorette weekend.
NASA has designated Indianapolis as a prime partner location for natural phenomena, which could drive demand. Other locations are Kerrville, Texas and Cleveland, Ohio.
NASA astronauts and administrators will participate in a solar eclipse viewing event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The event will include multiple educational program sessions until the eclipse reaches everyone just after 3 p.m.
Tourism authorities say tens of thousands of tourists are expected to visit the city. The influx caused hotels to sell out and room rates to double what they would on a typical weekend.
Binghui Huang can be reached at 317-385-1595 or Bhuang@gannett.com.
