ACVB tourism group extends contract of leader William Pate

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.

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