MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga., June 10 -- Georgia College & State University issued the following news release:

By Gil Pound

G

eorgia's already booming tourism industry is set to receive a jolt over the next month with Atlanta serving as a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The international soccer tournament is expected to bring some 520,000 visitors and an estimated $500 million in economic impact to the state when eight matches, including a semifinal, are played inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium from June 15 to July 15.

The over half a million visitors will be in good hands with many Georgia College & State University alumnae in tourism ambassador roles from the capital to the coast.

Samantha Joiner ('23) will be in the middle of the action as...