The City of East Point has stepped up its bid to become a leading 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.
Hosted by the East Point Convention & Visitors Bureau (EPCVB), the gathering brought together government officials, hospitality executives, investors, tourism advocates, and community stakeholders committed to driving tourism, economic growth, and international engagement.
National Travel and Tourism Week celebrates the sector’s role as a powerful engine for economic opportunity, job creation, cultural exchange, and community development across the United States.
In a statement, EPCVB President Chantel Ross Francois highlighted East Point’s strategic advantage as a hospitality and transport hub, located just minutes from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport – one of the world’s busiest airports.
Tourism leaders noted the city is uniquely placed to welcome the thousands of global visitors expected for the FIFA World Cup and other major events in the Atlanta metropolitan region.
The event featured prominent figures including Senator Sonya Halpern, Chairman Neel Shah, and Nilesh Patel. The Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) was also recognised for its substantial contribution to the US hospitality sector.
AAHOA – the second-largest hotel owners’ association in the country – represents nearly 60% of US hotel owners, with more than 20,000 members nationwide. Organisers revealed that 17 of East Point’s 19 hotels are owned by AAHOA members, underscoring the association’s vital role in the city’s economic ecosystem.
Stakeholders stressed that East Point’s growing hotel infrastructure, accessibility, cultural diversity, and proximity to major attractions make it ideal for tourists, sports fans, business travellers, and international guests.
Senator Sonya Halpern emphasised tourism’s role in creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and strengthening communities across Georgia. Participants called for stronger collaboration between government, hospitality operators, investors, and community organisations to keep the city competitive on the global tourism map.
Chairman Neel Shah reaffirmed the sector’s commitment to world-class accommodation and quality visitor experiences ahead of the FIFA World Cup. Community leaders also praised tourism as a driver of inclusive economic growth, cultural exchange, and investment.
This year’s National Travel and Tourism Week celebration served as a platform to reposition East Point – not merely as a transit stop, but as a vibrant community where visitors can experience culture, genuine hospitality, 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 said.
The EPCVB described the city as: “A place where the world can stay, connect, experience hospitality, and compete.”