Stakeholders Back Tourism as Catalyst for Community, Economic Development

The City of East Point has intensified efforts to position itself as a major international gateway destination ahead of the FIFA World Cup, as tourism and hospitality leaders gathered for the National Travel and Tourism Week 2026 Kickoff Event in Georgia.

The event, hosted by the East Point Convention & Visitors Bureau, brought together government officials, hospitality executives, tourism advocates, investors, and community stakeholders committed to strengthening tourism, economic growth, and international engagement across the region.

National Travel and Tourism Week celebrates the role of travel and tourism as key drivers of economic opportunity, job creation, cultural exchange, and community development across the United States.

In a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, the President of the East Point Convention and Visitors Bureau, Chantel Ross Francois, highlighted East Point’s growing strategic importance as a hospitality and transportation hub located minutes away from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world.

Tourism and hospitality leaders noted that the city is uniquely positioned to welcome thousands of global visitors expected during the FIFA World Cup and other international events scheduled for the Atlanta metropolitan region.

The gathering featured prominent tourism advocates and public officials, including Chantel Ross Francois, Chairman Neel Shah, Georgia State Senator Sonya Halpern, and Nilesh Patel.

During the event, the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) was recognised for its significant contribution to the hospitality sector in the United States.

AAHOA, regarded as the second-largest hotel owners association in the country, represents nearly 60 per cent of hotel owners nationwide, with more than 20,000 members across the United States.

Organisers disclosed that 17 out of the 19 hotels in East Point are owned by AAHOA members, underscoring the association’s major role in supporting the city’s hospitality industry and economic ecosystem.

Stakeholders stressed that East Point’s growing hotel infrastructure, accessibility, cultural diversity, and proximity to major attractions make it an ideal destination for tourists, sports fans, business travellers, and international guests.

State Senator Sonya Halpern emphasised the importance of tourism in creating employment opportunities, supporting local businesses, and strengthening communities throughout Georgia.

Participants also called for stronger collaboration between government institutions, hospitality operators, investors, and community organisations to ensure the city remains competitive on the global tourism map.

Chairman Neel Shah reaffirmed the hospitality sector’s commitment to providing world-class accommodation and quality visitor experiences ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

Community leaders further praised tourism as a major driver of inclusive economic growth, cultural exchange, and investment opportunities within the city.

The National Travel and Tourism Week 2026 celebration also served as a platform to project East Point as more than a transit destination, but as a vibrant community where visitors can experience culture, hospitality, connectivity, and opportunity.

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

The East Point Convention & Visitors Bureau described the city as “a place where the world can stay, connect, experience hospitality, and compete.”