April 23, 2024

The influx of eclipse tourists to Butler County surpassed community planners’ wildest expectations.

The influx of eclipse tourists to Butler County surpassed community planners’ wildest expectations.

President of the Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce Steve Halter utilized cell phone tracking data to determine 145,000 people came to the county over four days. 45,900 came on the day of the eclipse alone.

The travelers also brought their wallets to the tune of $9.6 million in economic impact. For Poplar Bluff specifically, 134,000 passed through in the four preceding days, 36,100 showed up on April 8, and the city received $7.6 million in economic benefit.

When asked if he was pleased with the numbers, Halter replied, “That would be putting it mildly.”

Receive Today's News FREESign up today!

He explained the last minute favorable shift in weather blew away the original estimates of 20,000 visitors and $4.5 million in commerce.

“It surpassed my already lofty expectations,” Halter remarked.

He said this influx could have a long-term impact on the development of the area, and expressed excitement that a large percentage had never been to Poplar Bluff before.

“I think a lot of people will come back,” Halter said.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Receive Today's News FREESign up today!