East Point Intensifies Tourism Campaign Ahead of the FIFA World Cup

Tourism and hospitality leaders have renewed their push to establish East Point as a key international gateway ahead of the FIFA World Cup, following the National Travel and Tourism Week 2026 kickoff held in Georgia.

The event, organized by the East Point Convention and Visitors Bureau, brought together government officials, investors, hospitality executives, tourism advocates, and community leaders to discuss how tourism can stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and increase global engagement for the city and the broader Atlanta area.

In a recent statement released in Abuja, Chantel Ross Francois, president of the East Point Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the city is becoming a strategic hospitality and transportation hub because of its proximity to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, one of the world’s busiest airports.

With Atlanta expected to attract thousands of visitors for the World Cup and other international events, stakeholders noted that East Point is well positioned to benefit from the anticipated influx, thanks to its expanding hotel infrastructure, accessibility, and cultural diversity.

The gathering also highlighted the contribution of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association to the city’s hospitality ecosystem. Organizers said the association, the second‑largest hotel owners group in the United States, represents nearly 60 percent of hotel owners nationwide and has more than 20,000 members across the country.

According to the organizers, 17 of the 19 hotels in East Point are owned by members of the association, underscoring its strong presence in the local hospitality sector and economy.

Attendees included Neel Shah, Sonya Halpern, and Nilesh Patel, who emphasized the need for tighter collaboration among government bodies, hospitality operators, investors, and community groups to sustain the city’s tourism growth.

Halpern remarked that tourism continues to support local businesses, create jobs, and strengthen communities throughout Georgia, while Shah reaffirmed the sector’s commitment to delivering high‑quality accommodation and visitor experiences in preparation for the World Cup.

Organizers stated that the National Travel and Tourism Week celebration aimed to present East Point not only as a transit point but also as a city where visitors can enjoy culture, hospitality, connectivity, and investment opportunities.

“As the world prepares for one of the largest sporting events on the planet, East Point is ready to welcome the world,” the organizers said.