ACVB President William Pate has been asked to stay on as the tourism group’s leader for the next five years.

The board of the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau extended Pate’s contract on Wednesday. Pate will be paid $433,000 annually.

Pate has been at the helm of the group since 2008 and is responsible for leading efforts to bring tourists and conventions to metro Atlanta. On his agenda in the coming year will be to support opposition of a Religious Freedom bill that many in the business and hospitality community asset would discriminate against gays and drive away visitors.

The bill’s sponsor Josh McKoon, R-Columbus, contends his bill is no different than legislation passed in Texas, Florida and Louisiana and that none of has seen a downturn in visitation.

About the Author

Keep Reading

“Superman” was one of several Warner Bros. features filmed in Georgia. The director, James Gunn, has ambitions to shoot the second installment in the Peach State. (Jessica Miglio/Warner Bros. Pictures/TNS)

Credit: TNS

Featured

Fans celebrate in the stands after Cape Verde defeated Eswatini in a World Cup qualifying soccer match at Estádio Nacional in Praia, Cape Verde, Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, to clinch their qualification for the 2026 World Cup. (Cristiano Barbosa/AP)

Credit: AP