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.  

  Explore Georgia, the official destination marketing organisation for the US state has partnered with UK tour operator North America Travel Service (NATS) to develop three new Georgia specific itineraries:   Special offer: NATS offers agents shopping vouchers with the rewards ranging from £10 for a booking valued at up to £2,499 to £100 for a booking valued at £15,001 or more. Additionally, for agents who book a Georgia holiday before the end of July 2022, NATS is also offering an extra 2.5% commission.  

• For agents with clients who want to explore Georgia in depth, the 19-day (18-night) ‘Pure Georgia Gold’ tour is the perfect fit. Itinerary highlights include Atlanta, Rosewell, the North Georgia Mountains, Athens, Augusta, Savannah and the Georgia Coast, Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, and historic Thomasville. Available year round, the tour is priced from £3,599 per person and includes flights, accommodation, car hire and personalised roadbook

 

• For travellers requesting ideas for a new RV experience, agents should recommend the 14-day (13-night) Georgia’s Southern Charms by Motorhome. Priced from £1,755 per person, the package includes two nights hotel accommodation in Atlanta, C25 motorhome hire with insurance and key supplies plus KOA Campground Card and Directory and local taxes on all items which have been prepaid. The itinerary takes in Augusta, Savannah and Tybee Island, Jekyll Island, Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Columbus, and Stone Mountain Park

 

• For clients looking for a trip that combines the bright lights of cosmopolitan Atlanta with the more relaxed settings of Savannah, Tybee Island, and Jekyll Island, the 11-day (10-night) Georgia Triangle itinerary is a great option. Priced from £2,745 per person, the package includes flights, accommodation, car hire and personalised roadbook

  Agents looking to book one of the new Georgia packages for their clients can call NATS on 0333 323 9033 or email [email protected]. All pricing is based on two adults travelling and sharing accommodation in low season.    

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.