WELCOME: Greetings from the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau

A TOP DESTINATION LOCALE FOR LGBTQ travelers

Greetings! On behalf of Atlanta’s hospitality community, it is my pleasure to welcome you to our city. As a global partner with the International LGBTQ Travel Association, Atlanta takes great pride being the LGBTQ capital of the South and a destination that welcomes all visitors.

Atlanta offers an unparalleled visitor experience, and everyone is buzzing about the destination including Lonely Planet and National Geographic. These travel experts and global brands named Atlanta to their Best of Travel lists for 2022. Setting the city apart is its inclusivity, with a thriving LGBTQ community that celebrates its diversity and its progressive role throughout the South.

Our city is well known as a fantastic choice for travelers as Atlanta was named to Travel Pulse’s 2021 list of top LGBTQinclusive cities for Pride Month. Atlanta Black Pride Weekend is held each Labor Day and celebrates diversity within the community. Atlanta Pride Festival is a week-long celebration in October and is the largest of its kind in the Southeast. The event draws members of the LGBTQ community, allies and advocates together, concluding with National Coming Out Day.

I encourage you to visit Centennial Olympic Park surrounded by world-class attractions including Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame, Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola and National Center for Civil and Human Rights. The center is home to the LGBTQ Institute which develops and implements programming to advance equality through research and education.

As the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Atlanta served as the catalyst for the American civil rights movement. The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park explores the life and history of Dr. King, allowing visitors to follow in his footsteps and honor his legacy.

Atlanta’s arts and culture scene generates offerings unmatched in the South. You’ll find an array of visual arts, music and theatrical venues across the destination such as Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Fox Theatre, High Museum of Art and Museum of Design Atlanta. Out Front Theatre Company tells LGBTQ stories through theater and performing arts in Atlanta’s Westside, and don’t forget to explore Midtown to see our iconic rainbow crosswalk at the intersection of 10th Street and Piedmont Avenue.

For a quick and easy approach to finding places to eat and things to do and see in Atlanta, visit DiscoverAtlanta.com. Once again, we extend a warm welcome and hope you have a wonderful time in Atlanta.

Sincerely, William Pate President and CEO Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau