TYLER, Texas — Visit Tyler announced its first ever Tourism Partner of the Year Monday, recognizing Tyler Junior College's Earth and Space Science Center for its role in planning events celebrating the Solar Eclipse in April.
“In April 2024, visitors from across Texas, the U.S., and the world arrived in Tyler on an overcast morning, with hopes that they would get a glimpse of an event that would not occur again in this area in their lifetime," Visit Tyler President Diann Bayes said. "Those individuals would not have known to come to our city had it not been for marketing and promotion to them.”
The eclipse, branded as "Totality Tyler", brought in $7.7 million to the local economy. Tyler Junior College's science center served as an information hub for the city, and a solar glasses distribution space. The center distributed over 30,000 glasses in preparation for the eclipse, and helped plan other events throughout the city.
They were one of over 50 businesses that created eclipse-themed experiences for Tyler visitors during the lead up to the eclipse.
“While the sky was overcast that day as the eclipse started, the clouds opened to reveal a phenomenon none of us will soon forget; and visitors to Tyler will keep our community in their memories because of their experience,” Bayes said.