CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — NASA’s moon rocket is back at the launch pad, ready for a potential April liftoff.
Now that this milestone is complete, it sets the table for local businesses who are prepping for the crowds that will come to witness history, as America looks to slingshot around the moon for the first time since the 60s and 70s.
What You Need To Know
NASA’s moon rocket is set for an April launch, spurring local tourism
Hotels in Cape Canaveral and nearby areas report full occupancy
Thousands are expected to visit, impacting local businesses positively
“It continues with each launch window, occupancy is there,” said Wayne Soard, the general manager of Courtyard by Marriott Titusville.
Meaning the space-themed hotel is fully booked.
“If you look at our reservations, they are from all over the country, from the furthest points in Washington, California, so it’s not just locals coming to see this one,” Soard said.
That has the Space Coast Office of Tourism all grinning.
With thousands descending on the area to watch the launch, it means heads in beds at hotels like the Courtyard and cash registers ringing at local shops and restaurants.
“You’ve got Easter on that Sunday, so that week leading up is always a busy week anyway, so I think this is going to add to that, and so far, what we’ve seen for spring break has been very, very strong,” said Peter Cranis, executive director of the Space Coast Office of Tourism.
Cranis says they’ve reached out to more than a dozen hotels, which report they are all full leading up to the potential launch.
“We’ve heard that from a number of hotels up and down, from Titusville, Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach, even down on the Melbourne beachside,” he said.
A boon for the space-themed hotel hosting those looking for an out of this world adventure.
“It creates excitement outside the launch as well,” Soard said.
Now that the rollout is complete, NASA is aiming for an April 1 launch, with backup chances up until April 6.