AGP Executive Report

Georgia Tourism: Georgia keeps rolling—state officials say tourism broke records for a fourth straight year, a win for hotels, attractions, and weekend travel plans. Air Travel & Parks: Delta and the National Park Foundation teamed up to boost national-park conservation, with SkyMiles members able to donate unused miles via SkyWish—plus Delta Vacations is getting involved. Atlanta Sports & Travel: The Braves clinched a National League Division Series spot by beating the Phillies 6-2 in Game 3, setting up the next round and more visitor buzz around Atlanta. Getting Around: Avis Preferred is pushing rental-car perks for travelers, including faster pickup and elite-status paths for frequent renters. Weather Watch: Southeast travelers should expect a wetter pattern building after a developing system and cold front—rain could affect flights through major hubs like Atlanta. Travel Safety: A jury convicted a couple in a nationwide scheme that stole millions from federal aid programs meant for elderly, disabled, and homeless Americans.

MLB Playoffs (NLDS): The Dodgers opened the NL Division Series with a 5-3 win over the Braves at a scorching Dodger Stadium, where an extreme heat warning pushed fans to seek medical help and the team handed out bottled water. Atlanta Sports Travel: Braves fans heading west for the NLDS are dealing with a short turnaround after beating the Phillies in the wild card, with Game 1 featuring Tarik Skubal vs. Dylan Dodd. Air Travel Watch: Delta’s long-haul Hawaii route from Boston is shrinking again, with the BOS–Honolulu nonstop ending early 2027 after major schedule cuts—useful for Georgia travelers planning winter trips. Road Trip Costs: The national gas average fell nearly 7 cents to about $4.41, easing pressure slightly after record September prices. Georgia Tourism: Georgia continues to tout record tourism momentum, with officials citing four straight years of record-breaking visitation.

Public Health & Travel Safety: A fast-moving Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is now over 8,000 confirmed cases, with the WHO citing a 48% fatality rate and the CDC noting it’s spreading far quicker than earlier DRC outbreaks—raising fresh questions about whether travelers should face new restrictions. Road Tragedy in Georgia: A deadly I-16 crash in Bryan County killed four family members and left three children seriously injured, underscoring how dangerous highway travel remains for Georgia visitors and locals. Atlanta Zoo Update: Zoo Atlanta welcomed giant pandas Ping Ping and Fu Shuang for a 10-year stay, a major draw for tourism and family outings. Air Travel & Routes: Southwest announced new international routes from Austin for summer 2027, signaling continued growth in leisure travel options. Baseball Tourism Buzz: The Braves’ postseason run keeps Atlanta on the map, with coverage focused on where to watch games and what’s next in the NLDS. Georgia Tourism Milestone: Georgia officials say the state broke tourism records for a fourth straight year.

Panda Arrival at Zoo Atlanta: Ping Ping and Fu Shuang landed in Atlanta for a 10-year stay, sparking big local excitement and fresh zoo signage as the animals settle in. Georgia Travel Planning: A Walla Walla-area guide highlights easy one-stop getaways via Walla Walla Regional Airport, including Atlanta, with a nod to fall foliage in North Georgia. Medical Cannabis Delivery in Georgia: Savannah-area coverage says the Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission voted to move forward with delivery rules, with USPS as a primary option and private carriers like FedEx potentially involved. Atlanta Area Logistics & Safety: U.S. Marshals confirmed moving about 400 pretrial detainees from Atlanta’s area to a facility farther south, with legal and medical-care concerns raised by defense attorneys and judges. Surveillance Debate: A national commentary piece revisits the controversy around Flock cameras and automated license plate readers, weighing lifesaving use against fears of a digital dragnet. Sports & Travel Buzz: Trump said he’ll attend the Georgia-Alabama game in Tuscaloosa next weekend, a major draw for fans planning road trips.

Tourism Boom: Georgia hit a record 175.6 million visitors in 2025 for a fourth straight year of tourism growth, bringing $46.2 billion in spending and $5.3 billion in tax revenue. Arts & Culture: The High Museum of Art marks its 100th anniversary this October with community events and free access days—an easy reason to plan a fall trip to Atlanta. Family-Friendly Live Entertainment: Michael Carbonaro brings his “WONDERBOY” magic-and-comedy show to the Byers Theatre at Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center. Local Community Spotlight: Two Stonecrest students are rolling out a mobile agricultural lab to teach families vertical farming and hydroponics in neighborhoods. Travel Planning (Weather): A slow-moving front is setting up conditions from the Gulf toward the western Atlantic, so travelers should keep an eye on changing forecasts. Health Watch: Georgia confirmed measles in five siblings in Jasper County, raising the state total to 21—vaccination status matters for anyone visiting the area. Sports (Braves): Atlanta clinched the final MLB playoff spot, setting up postseason action that will keep Braves fans—and visitors—busy.

Fall Foliage Planning: A new guide highlights Georgia’s best leaf-peeping routes, from North Georgia mountain overlooks to parks south of Atlanta and even the Okefenokee Swamp, with peak color typically landing late October into early November. Local Flavor Event: The Atlanta Kosher BBQ Festival is back with a new Dunwoody location at 66 Perimeter Center East on Oct. 18, featuring a kosher BBQ competition, vendor village, live music, and family activities. Sports & Travel Buzz: The Braves powered past the Phillies to set up an NLDS showdown with the Dodgers, while Game 3 of the wild-card series is slated for Oct. 1 at Truist Park. Big Zoo Moment: Zoo Atlanta welcomes giant pandas Ping Ping and Fu Shuang, arriving as part of a U.S.-China agreement. Road Trip Perk: Lake Lanier ranks as a top U.S. spot for fall foliage boating, with peak color around Oct. 8. Weather Watch: October’s forecast for Florida points to wetter-than-usual conditions and more thunderstorms, a reminder to plan outdoor trips with flexibility.

Pretrial Detours: The U.S. Marshals Service plans to move about 400 people awaiting trial from the Atlanta-area Robert A. Dayton Detention center to Irwin County in South Georgia, drawing backlash from local defense attorneys who say it will disrupt court access and waste travel time. Transit Upgrade in Augusta: FlixBus and Greyhound shifted their Augusta stops to the downtown Augusta Transit Broad Street Transfer Facility, aiming to make intercity connections easier with local transit links. MARTA Safety Reporting Simplified: MARTA is phasing out the See & Say app and pushing riders to report safety issues through the main MARTA app. Sustainable Aviation Push: Georgia leaders and Delta are teaming up to accelerate sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) growth, building on forestry and agriculture feedstock efforts. Local Parks Funding: Park Pride awarded $20,000+ for nine community-led park improvement projects across Atlanta and DeKalb County, including native plantings and erosion control. Tourism Spotlight: Georgia officials say the state set tourism records for a fourth straight year. Travel Tech Debate: A new look at Flock license-plate cameras reignites privacy concerns, even as supporters argue the systems help solve crimes.

Olympic Torch Relay (Atlanta): LA28 confirmed the Olympic flame will return to Atlanta in spring 2028 before traveling through all 50 states on its way to the July 14, 2028 Los Angeles Opening Ceremony—an event that already drew athletes like Sha’Carri Richardson and Christian Coleman to City Hall. Zoo Atlanta (Pandas): Zoo Atlanta shared a new video update on Fu Shuang as the pair Ping Ping and Fu Shuang continue settling in after arriving from China; both are eating well and acclimating, though they’re still in a routine quarantine before public viewing. MARTA B-Line (Clayton County): A Riverdale town hall covered the proposed 13.6-mile Southlake BRT route from Hartsfield-Jackson to Southlake Mall, with leaders emphasizing safety and frequent service (about every 10 minutes at peak) while residents raised traffic concerns. Georgia Tourism Records: Gov. Kemp announced Georgia set tourism records for a fourth straight year, with 175.6 million visitors in 2025 spending $46.2 billion and generating $5.3 billion in tax revenue. Wild Card Sports (Atlanta/Phillies): Bryce Harper’s late-game redemption and Alec Bohm’s extra-inning homer kept the Phillies alive in Game 2 against the Braves, setting up a decisive Game 3 at Truist Park.

Olympic Torch Relay: LA28 confirmed the 2028 Olympic torch relay will start in Atlanta (the 1996 host city) and travel through all 50 states before arriving in Los Angeles for the July 14, 2028 Opening Ceremony. Adaptive Sports: BlazeSports America will host Georgia’s first USA Wheelchair Football League tournament in Kennesaw at Town Center Mall, free and open to the public, with eight teams over two days. Zoo Atlanta & Tourism: Two giant pandas are set to debut at Zoo Atlanta for a 10-year stay, with the arrival story drawing major visitor buzz. Public Health: Georgia DPH confirmed five additional measles cases in a Jasper County family; officials urge vaccination and contact tracing. Local Community & Aging: The Center at ACCA (Athens Community Council on Aging) will hold a free open house Oct. 6, highlighting learning, travel, social connection, and healthy aging programs. Gas Prices: GasBuddy reports show midgrade and premium prices fluctuating across Georgia counties in the week ending Sept. 19, with several lowest-in-county deals noted. Surveillance & Privacy: A report says cities’ license plate reader data is being funneled into federal anti-drug surveillance systems, raising privacy and oversight concerns.

Olympic Tourism Boost: Organizers confirmed the LA28 Olympic torch relay will start in Atlanta and travel through all 50 states before arriving in Los Angeles in 2028, with the flame lit in Olympia, Greece, and the full U.S. route to be revealed in 2027—another big draw for visitors planning 2028 trips. Zoo Atlanta Spotlight: Two Chinese giant pandas, Ping Ping and Fu Shuang, arrived for a 10-year stay, with Zoo Atlanta staff saying the flight was smooth and the animals are settling in—expect major local buzz for family travel and repeat zoo visits. Local Community & Travel-Adjacent Events: Athens-area state legislature candidates faced voters at a forum, while Athens-area civic engagement and youth voices were highlighted in a National Urban League town hall—good context for travelers timing visits around public events. Road Trip Costs: GasBuddy reports Georgia diesel and premium prices remain volatile, with multiple counties seeing lowest-in-state deals around mid-to-high $4s for premium and about $6+ for diesel.

Olympic Torch Relay: LA28 says the 2028 Olympic torch relay will begin in Atlanta and travel through all 50 U.S. states before reaching Los Angeles; the flame will be lit in Olympia, Greece, with the full U.S. route due in 2027. Local History & Tourism: The Georgia World War II Heritage Trail adds Fort Oglethorpe and Roosevelt’s Little White House State Historic Site as full Trail Partners, expanding WWII stories for visitors. Public Health Accountability: Newly uncovered state records detail the toxic plume from the 2024 BioLab chemical fire in Conyers, including claims dozens were at risk and that roads, schools, and businesses were disrupted. Travel & Safety: A Delta flight from Atlanta to Seoul was diverted to Anchorage after an unruly, drunken passenger incident; the man received a two-year prison sentence. Road Trip Watch: GasBuddy reports show Georgia premium gas averaging $4.89 in the week ending Sept. 19, with some counties seeing lower local prices. School Exchange: Jefferson High School welcomes 22 students from Hermitage Academy in Scotland as part of its long-running Scotland Exchange Program.

Zoo Atlanta & Family Travel: Two giant pandas, Ping Ping and Fu Shuang, arrived in Atlanta from Chengdu on a FedEx “Panda Express” flight and will spend about a month in quarantine before going on public view at Zoo Atlanta. Aviation & Travel Costs: Holiday airfares are forecast to hit 10-year highs as jet fuel costs stay elevated, with airlines passing along surcharges and cutting routes. Georgia Travel Disruption Watch: Delta faced a diversion to Porto after fumes were detected in the cabin, with 14 passengers needing medical attention after landing. Sanctions & Flight Access: New U.S. sanctions have sharply reduced Iranian aviation, with flights to places including Georgia and Azerbaijan suspended or restricted—leaving travelers scrambling for long detours. Local Visitor Tips: If you’re driving, GasBuddy reports select low prices in Georgia counties (like E15 at $3.94 in Coweta and diesel at $5.69 in Paulding) but availability can be limited to just one station. Arts & Culture: Atlanta’s AuthenticA Series Lab welcomed Cameroonian filmmaker Sahndra Fon Dufe as part of its first all-female cohort.

Stone Mountain Hotel Uncertainty: A proposed 60–70 room hotel at the Lawn on Main is still years from construction, with residents and City Hall debating whether the city-owned site was formally rezoned and whether Stone Mountain has enough downtown draw to support lodging. Atlanta Playoff Travel Buzz: The Braves host the Phillies for a best-of-three NL wild-card series starting Tuesday at Truist Park, with both games in Atlanta and Chris Sale expected to open. New Johns Creek Dining/Shopping Destination: Medley mixed-use in Johns Creek is set to open Oct. 29, bringing walkable retail, restaurants, entertainment, and a future hotel anchor—plus a Trader Joe’s already in place. Panda Tourism Moment in Atlanta: Zoo Atlanta welcomed giant pandas Ping Ping and Fu Shuang for a 10-year stay, fueling fresh visitor interest and “panda craze” chatter. Georgia Gas Watch: GasBuddy reports show Bulloch County premium gas as low as $4.69/g (week ending Sept. 19), while Georgia’s average premium sits around $4.89/g.

Panda Diplomacy in Atlanta: Zoo Atlanta welcomed giant pandas Ping Ping and Fu Shuang on Sunday, arriving at Hartsfield-Jackson on FedEx’s “Panda Express” flight for a 10-year stay; they’ll spend about a month in quarantine before public viewing, with the move tied to a new conservation agreement and Xi Jinping’s “envoy of friendship” remarks. Travel Disruptions: A powerful nor’easter is battering the Northeast for a second day, bringing flooding, power outages, and flight delays/cancellations from New Jersey to New England. Getting There, Faster (and Harder): Delta’s Embraer E175 finally made it into Aspen nonstop from Atlanta and Los Angeles after software tweaks that add thrust and recalibrate takeoff/landing performance for the high-elevation airport. Fuel Watch (Georgia): GasBuddy reported some of the lowest prices in the state around mid-September, including premium deals in several counties and diesel lows like $5.69 in Bulloch County.

Zoo Atlanta & International Travel: Giant pandas Ping Ping and Fu Shuang arrived at Hartsfield-Jackson for a rare 10-year stay, kicking off “panda diplomacy” after nearly two years without pandas in Atlanta; they’ll spend about a month in quarantine before going on public view, with Zoo Atlanta and Chinese specialists coordinating care and facility upgrades. Outdoor Accessibility in Georgia: Georgia Power donated $10,000 to Friends of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites to expand “Georgia in Color,” providing EnChroma color-access glasses so more visitors can better enjoy fall foliage and spring wildflowers. Local Visitor Planning: A powerful nor’easter is battering the Northeast, with flooding risk and power outages affecting travel conditions for visitors heading to or through the region. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reported some of the lowest diesel and regular prices in parts of Georgia this week, including standout deals in Lowndes County and Coweta County—useful for road-trip budgeting. Sports Tourism (Atlanta): MLB says the Braves will open their wild-card series Tuesday at Truist Park at 2 p.m., with the opponent to be determined by Sunday’s results.

Panda Tourism in Atlanta: China’s giant pandas Ping Ping and Fu Shuang have departed Chengdu for Zoo Atlanta, kicking off a 10-year stay after Zoo Atlanta upgrades its panda facilities and secures long-term bamboo supplies. Air Travel Watch: A study ranks Denver International worst for connections, with long internal travel times and gate-to-gate distances that can frustrate travelers. New Direct Flights (Europe): Delta announced nonstop Boston–Venice and Detroit–Athens routes starting in 2027, giving travelers fresh shoulder-season options. Health Alert for Travelers: Measles cases in the U.S. hit a 30-year high, with experts urging vaccination for those who aren’t protected—especially important for families planning trips. Visa Reality Check: A guide for Bangladeshi travelers breaks down “visa-free” vs visa-on-arrival vs ETA rules, reminding readers to confirm entry requirements before booking. Local Visitor Buzz: Zoo Atlanta’s panda arrival is already drawing “panda fever” crowds, with fans planning visits around the new arrivals.