Commentary by Chris Hardman, President and CEO of GHLA
Editor’s Note: Tourism and hospitality are core infrastructure for Georgia’s broader creative, technology and innovation economy. From film production and major sporting events to startup growth and global business recruitment, these sectors enable the movement of talent, the execution of large-scale experiences and the state’s visibility on a global stage. The legislative progress outlined here reflects that alignment.
The 2026 Legislative Session will be remembered as one of the most ambitious and consequential in recent memory for Georgia’s hospitality and tourism industry. In a year defined by both opportunity and complexity, the Georgia Hotel & Lodging Association (GHLA), alongside its partners and members, pursued an unprecedented slate of legislative priorities. This level of engagement is virtually unheard of in the industry, and the results speak for themselves: the majority of these measures have successfully passed the General Assembly and now await the governor’s signature.
Behind these victories was an extraordinary effort in navigating the legislative process, building coalitions, and ensuring that the industry’s voice was heard at every step. These efforts, combined with strong industry engagement, proved critical in delivering meaningful results.
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