On Oct. 11, Philadelphia officials will honor the late civic pride booster, celebrated author and former Visit Philadelphia President/CEO Jeff Guaracino by renaming a portion of South 13th Street after the tourism marketer and LGBTQ+ trailblazer responsible for putting Philadelphia on the map as a premier LGBTQ+ tourism destination, per a press release.
In a ceremony in the city's iconic "Gayborhood," the section on South 13th Street between Locust and Spruce streets was renamed "Jeff Guaracino Way." The city also presented a mayoral proclamation and City Council resolution, introduced by Councilmember Mark Squilla, recognizing National Coming Out Day and proclaiming Oct. 11, 2022 as "Jeff Guaracino Day."
Guaracino, who passed away in December 2021 at age 48, was a beloved family member, partner, colleague and friend, as well as a passionate hospitality and tourism leader, celebrated author and avid traveler known for his fun spirit and strong sense of self. During his storied career, Guaracino made a significant impact while employed two different times at Visit Philadelphia, serving first as director of communications and vice president of communications, and later as president/CEO.
Guaracino was also the president/CEO of Welcome America, Inc. and, previously, was the executive director of the Atlantic City Alliance.
He wrote travel articles for many publications, including Windy City Times. In addition, he wrote 2007's Gay and Lesbian Tourism: The Essential Guide to Marketing; and 2017's Handbook of LGBT Tourism and Hospitality: A Guide for Business Practice, a collaboration with Ed Salvato.
Some of those who attended/spoke at the Oct. 11 ceremony included Philadelphia Gay News Publisher Mark Segal; Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus' Tami Sortman; Visit Philadelphia President/CEO Angela Val; and Joshua Thomas and Jerry Guaracino, who are members of Jeff's family.
