AMERICAS – Atlanta’s new Maynard H. Jackson International Terminal is slated to open 16 May, 2012 at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
 
In addition to the 12 new gates dedicated to international flights, the US$1.4bn terminal will simplify the process of arriving in Atlanta. No longer will Atlanta-bound international travellers be required to re-check their luggage after clearing customs.
 
 “The new international terminal will take advantage of Atlanta’s geographical advantages to capture additional international visitation,” said William Pate, president and CEO of Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau.
 
Already offering direct flights to 165 destinations in Central and South America, as well as 115 destinations in Europe, Atlanta is the world’s busiest airport.
 
The city is already seeing a boost in international visitation with a 25 per cent spike in 2010. Over the next five years, overseas visitation to the United States is expected to rise 54 per cent.
 
The opening of the new terminal coincides with a push from the United States to increase international visitation. Brand USA, a $200m marketing campaign designed to attract international travellers, has the potential to bring an additional $859bn in economic output to the US by 2020.
 
On top of that, President Obama recently called for the state department to streamline the visa process for international visitors, which could make getting to the US a reality for many overseas travellers.
 
The Maynard H. Jackson International Terminal is part of a $5.4bn development programme which will expand, repair and upgrade designated areas within the airport’s facilities.
 
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