Conceived by then-commissioner R. K. Sehgal in 2002, the race was developed by the Georgia Department of Industry, Trade and Tourism (now known as the Georgia Department of Economic Development) for the benefit of the Georgia Cancer Coalition. Beginning with the 2008 race, The Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta will be the race's official beneficiary organization. The Tour de Georgia has boosted tourism in Georgia providing 2.3 million visitors and a $26 million economic impact between 2003 and 2006.