New travel site highlights attractions near Hartsfield-Jackson

Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport has long been a gateway for travelers headed to downtown, Midtown, Buckhead and other places in metro Atlanta.

But a new online travel itinerary tool focuses on restaurants and attractions in the less-visited area immediately surrounding the Atlanta airport on the south side.

The visit.atldistrict.com site was recently launched by the ATL Airport District -- the visitors bureau for College Park, East Point, Hapeville and Union City -- with trip-planning startup Utrip.

It’s aimed at allowing visitors to “create unique personalized itineraries for their trips to the area,” according to the ATL Airport District.

While the site displays many restaurants, hotels and attractions in the airport area, it also includes other Atlanta attractions like the World of Coca-Cola, the King Center and Piedmont Park.

Visitors can indicate their “travel style” focusing on arts and culture, sports, shopping, history, nature or food and drink, select the season they will be in town and the length of their trip, and get a sample itinerary.

A group of local business leaders aims to make the area around Hartsfield-Jackson into an “aerotropolis,” attracting businesses and developing the area.