Atlanta has been basking in the media spotlight after recently hosting the Travel South annual international convention. From a destination perspective it solidified the city’s position as a premier destination for both domestic and international tourism whilst the convention brought together industry leaders, travel professionals, and media representatives from around the globe. In 2023, Atlanta welcomed more than 50 million visitors, with more than 1.2 million international visitors. This number is expected to increase in the next couple of years as the city benefits from the increased international exposure from the convention as well as multiple other large-scale events. So far in 2024, Atlanta has welcomed more than 1.3 million international visitors. Canada is the top international source market followed by the UK with more than 83,000 Brits visiting in 2024 to date. Visitors from the U.K. have accounted for more than $60.4 million in spending thus far in 2024.   New developments in Atlanta The city is gaining new hotel properties, expanding venues and renovating existing facilities: National Center for Civil and Human Rights – National Center for Civil and Human Rights (NCCHR) recently marked the halfway point in a major expansion. The 28,733-square-feet expansion will feature an immersive family gallery for children under 12, a gallery on the Reconstruction Era, state-of-the-art classrooms and event space, as well as a café for visitors. It expects to complete the expansion by Fall 2025.   Centennial Yards (Ongoing) - The 50-acre renovation project is expected to transform underutilized property in the heart of downtown Atlanta into residential units, retail shops, restaurants and boutique hotels.   South Downtown (Ongoing) – Newport RE has invested more than $100 million in the purchase of 48 historic buildings in downtown Atlanta. The project aims to revive these buildings into retail, office space and loft apartments while improving walkability.   Signia by Hilton Atlanta – Located on Georgia World Congress Center’s campus, Signia by Hilton Atlanta opened January 2024. The 976-room convention center hotel offers both meeting planners and travelers chef-driven restaurants and more than 100,000 square feet of event space.   Hotel Granada – This boutique historic hotel opened in August of 2024 after a two-year restoration and modernization. Hotel Granada incorporates curated design elements across its 120 guest rooms, public spaces and dining outlets.   Forth Atlanta – The highly anticipated FORTH Atlanta opened June 2024. The $150 million project includes a 196-room luxury boutique hotel, four food and beverage concepts, private event spaces, and a members-only social club.

  Mark Jaronski from Explore Georgia discusses the state’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Atlanta hosting eight matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Highlighting Georgia’s experience in managing large-scale events, Jaronski outlines plans for seamless travel and a vibrant experience for visitors. With ongoing investments in retail, dining, and entertainment around the stadium, Georgia aims to offer a dynamic atmosphere for both match-goers and tourists. He also emphasizes Georgia as an ideal hub for exploring the Southeast, offering diverse experiences, from southern beaches to mountain trails and historic cities, during breaks between matches.  

Kazakhstan low cost carrier FlyArystan is launching new international services in Central Asia. It will offer flights from  Aktau, Atyrau and Nur-Sultan to Kutaisi in Georgia starting from 2 May 2021. Each route will operate twice weekly using Airbus A320 aircraft. It will operate from Aktau on Tuesdays and Fridays, from Atyrau on Thursdays and Sundays and from Nur Sultan on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The historic city of Kutaisi is located halfway between Georgia's capital, Tbilisi and the Black Sea resort of Batumi. One-way fares start from US$59 from Aktau, US$66 (Atyrau) and US$89 from Nur-Sultan. FlyArystan was launched as Kazakhstan's first low cost carrier in May 2019 and is a division of full service flag carrier Air Astana.