Texas city Uvalde braces for mass tourism as thousands are set to descend on ... trends now

It's the small city that was put on the map after becoming the site of one of deadliest school shootings in the U.S. in 2022. 

But Uvalde, Texas is about to enjoy an altogether different focus of attention – as one of the few communities set to experience the longest and most dramatic moments of the total solar eclipse that will trace a narrow path north east across America on April 8.

The city, population 15,430, and immediate surrounding area is expecting some 100,000 visitors from up to 50 countries to descend for the phenomenon, when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth creating darkness during the day.

Uvalde is almost at the center of the 120-mile wide 'path of totality' and is scheduled to go completely dark for four minutes, 15 seconds starting at 1:29pm and 41 seconds.

That is roughly two minutes after the border town of Eagle Pass – the eclipse's port of entry into America – is plunged into darkness for a predicted 4.24 minutes.

The excitement over the rare phenomenon has attracted positive buzz to the community, nearly two years after it was left reeling from a mass shooting that left 21 people dead. 

Meanwhile, memorials of the May 2022 massacre - when 18-year-old gunman Salvador Ramos opened fire, killing 19 students and two teachers at Robb Elementary School - remain prominent in Uvalde.

These include a poignant stone memorial with 21 white crosses on Highway 90 into the city, next to a giant artwork depicting actor Matthew McConaughey, who grew up there. The Hollywood star gave a passionate 20-minute address at the White House, urging gun control.

But chamber of commerce director John Yeackle told DailyMail.com: 'It's going to be refreshing for the world to see that Uvalde is known for more much more than a tragic incident.

'The tragedy was horrific and hearts goes out to the families that were most directly affected.

'Everybody that lives here in Uvalde is probably no more than one degree of separation from someone that was there that day. And I'm no different.

'So this is one of the opportunities that we're excited to showcase what Uvalde is really most known for. And it's not a tragedy, but it's being a gateway to the southwest part of Texas and the desert.'

Still, several Texas counties are taking precautions for public safety ahead of the event, with some even issuing emergency declaration, based mainly on the expected traffic nightmare and possible drain on power and resources.

These include Travis County which contains Austin, which is also in the path of totality and is shutting schools on August 8.

Yeackle, additionally an Uvalde County Commissioner, said: 'We're not going that far, but in the city we're not promoting or putting on events. Frankly, we're just trying to survive the event. 

'We're not interested in inviting more people. We're concerned with dealing with those already planning to come.

'I believe Interstate 10 north of us and Highway 90 right here will be a parking lot at about 12:45 on the day.

'I'm guessing maybe two thirds of the traffic will be people who drive in from Houston, San Antonio, and Austin – we have maybe four million people within 200 miles of us. There will be hours and hours of delays on the two major arteries.

'Distance is a relative thing in rural America. It's 75 miles minimum to San Antonio. For myself, it's not unusual for us to travel two or three times a week just to have dinner, a 150-mile round trip.'

One consequence of the madness perpetrated on Uvalde by former Robb Elementary pupil Ramos – who was ultimately shot dead by a United States Border Patrol Tactical Unit – is the number of extra state law enforcement still in the city.

'I'm confident we can cope,' said Yeackle. 

'Going back to the tragedy, we have extra personnel still here from the Department of Public Safety that remain part of the security at schools. 

'That's probably 20 plus additionally assigned beside the half dozen that operate on a regular basis here.

'Per capita, we probably have more law enforcement than any other place in the country. And with the situation on the border, we've also got Customs and Border Protection.'

Eclipse tourists to the city and surrounding area have faced some eyewatering hotel and Airbnb prices.

DailyMail.com found the modest Inn of Uvalde asking $3,090.97 for the nights of April 7 and 8 for one room for two people. 

By comparison, the cost for the following two nights was $255.39 including all taxes and fees. 

At the equally modest Motel 6 almost next door, the going rate was $1,279 for April 7 and 8 compared to a total of $191.18 for the next two nights.

'The money some hotels want for a room here, it's price gouging, but not necessarily a surprise,' said Yeackle. 

'Some were demanding a three night minimum and $900 a night not including taxes.

'It's my understanding that about 90 percent of rooms have been booked here in town, and I think about 85 per cent up in the Hill Country.

'Unfortunately, every major event throughout the world will have some folks who try to take advantage of visitors.

'A lot of people who are just going to show up thinking they're going to get a place to stay are going be in for a rude awakening. If there are any rooms left, the price is going to be obscenely high.

'And anyone who just rolls in with an RV will have equal problems, because most of the parks are completely booked out. I've heard of people renting out just a space in a field with nothing else for $100 a night.

'Kudos to the establishments who have chosen to be good neighbors and keep their charges reasonable. Because it's much more likely folks will stay with them when they revisit in the future.'

He added: 'We're in a stunning area where we can receive a lot of tourists at peak times enjoying floating on the Frio River, and we're 20 minutes from the Hill Country.

'But in terms of amenities, Uvalde is the center. It will be the hub. There's not much

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