East Point, Georgia – The City of East Point proudly welcomed leaders from government, tourism, hospitality, business, and community organizations for the National Travel and Tourism Week 2026 Kickoff Event, celebrating the growing impact of tourism and positioning East Point as one of the premier gateway destinations for visitors ahead of the FIFA World Cup.
Hosted by the East Point Convention & Visitors Bureau, the event brought together influential voices and stakeholders committed to strengthening tourism, economic growth, hospitality, and international engagement in the region.
National Travel and Tourism Week highlights the importance of travel as a major driver of economic opportunity, job creation, cultural exchange, and community development across the United States. This year’s gathering in East Point underscored the city’s strategic importance as a hospitality and transportation hub located minutes from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Speaking during the event, tourism and hospitality leaders emphasized that East Point is uniquely positioned to welcome global visitors during the FIFA World Cup and other major international events coming to the Atlanta metropolitan region.
The event featured distinguished guests and tourism advocates including Chantel Ross Francois, Neel Shah, Chairman, State Senator Sonya Halpern, and Nilesh Patel, Georgia District Director of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA).
AAHOA is recognized as the second largest hotel owners association in the United States, representing approximately 60 percent of all hotel owners nationwide with more than 20,000 members across the country. It was also highlighted that 17 of the 19 hotels in East Point are owned by AAHOA members, reflecting the organization’s significant contribution to the city’s hospitality industry and economic ecosystem.
Leaders at the event noted that East Point’s expanding hotel infrastructure, accessibility, cultural diversity, and proximity to key attractions make it an ideal destination for tourists, business travelers, sports fans, and international guests expected during the FIFA World Cup period.
State Senator Sonya Halpern emphasized the importance of tourism in creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and strengthening communities throughout Georgia. Stakeholders also highlighted the need for continued collaboration between government, hospitality leaders, investors, and community organizations to ensure East Point remains competitive on the global tourism map.
Chairman Neel Shah reiterated the hospitality sector’s commitment to providing world-class accommodations and visitor experiences, while community leaders praised the role tourism plays in driving inclusive economic growth throughout the city.
The National Travel and Tourism Week 2026 celebration also served as a platform to spotlight East Point as more than just a transit city, but a vibrant destination where visitors can experience culture, connectivity, 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.
“East Point is not just a place people pass through , it is a place where the world can stay, connect, experience hospitality, and compete.”
East Point Convention & Visitors Bureau
Visit East Point
“Where the World Competes”
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