After World Cup, state works to lure FIFA fans back to Georgia

By Berndt Petersen at WSB-TV (ABC) - News · July 16, 2026 · 2 min read

Dan Whatton and his son Freddie flew all the way from London for some Atlanta putt-putt Wednesday --- until it was time for that soccer match. “I said to my wife, I’ve got to get out there for the semifinal. I’ve got to experience the World Cup in America,” Dan said.[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News ap...

Why this matters in The Atlanta

The state's efforts to lure FIFA fans back to Georgia could have a significant impact on local economies, particularly in areas like Savannah, Augusta, and Lake Lanier. These regions have already seen an influx of tourists during the World Cup, and return visits could lead to increased bookings and itineraries. The Department of Economic Development's push to promote Georgia as a destination is also likely to boost agritourism, with attractions like Jaemor Farms orchard in Hall County potentially benefiting from the exposure. As fans like Dan Whatton and Tomas Carraschal plan their next trips, they may explore beyond Atlanta, discovering the state's diverse offerings and contributing to the local tourism industry. With Governor Brian Kemp having already declared the FIFA World Cup a success for Atlanta, the state's focus on retaining these visitors could have long-term benefits for Georgia's economy and reputation as a tourist destination.

About this story

Original reporting by WSB-TV (ABC) - News. The Atlanta surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page.

For the complete original report, visit WSB-TV (ABC) - News. Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom.

Category: local · Published: July 16, 2026 · Source: WSB-TV (ABC) - News · Reading time: 2 min

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