PHOTO: © VISIT PHILADELPHIA
THE BASICS
Name: Jeff Guaracino
Title: President and CEO
Company, city: Visit Philadelphia; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
First job: KYW News Radio
Where to next: Puerto Vallarta is my next trip; I love the city. Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton had homes across from each other where they could pass undetected.
A LITTLE BIT MORE
What actor or actress would play you in a movie of your life?
Angelina Jolie. I joke a bit, but I admire her humanitarian work and her commitment to diversity.
What would you be doing professionally if you weren’t in your current industry?
I’d be a journalist. I’ve written two books and for years contributed a travel column to an LGBTQ+ publication. I also always register with the State Department when I travel — they offer useful services and resources.
What is your favorite book, movie or television show?
Auntie Mame is one of my favorite films — the classic version with Rosalind Russell.
What historical figure, dead or alive, would you love to have dinner with?
Michelle Obama. Her memoir and public life redefined expectations, challenged stereotypes, and she has been a powerful voice against racism and homophobia.
THE BUSINESS
What is your most recent project, and what was the inspiration behind it?
We rebranded Philadelphia as the City of Sisterly Love to mark the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment. The campaign highlights the influence of women travelers and resonates strongly with Gen X and Baby Boomers.
What is your favorite aspect of the job?
Connecting with diverse communities and celebrating the people I meet, whether in a day, a week or over a year. I’m also proud of our collaboration with the James Beard Foundation and recognition for Philadelphia’s restaurants.
What’s the biggest business risk you’ve ever taken?
Launching “DO AC” in Atlantic City after years of decline. Superstorm Sandy struck just two months later and damaged the area, but the initiative ultimately succeeded and helped rebuild momentum.
Who is someone you admire professionally in the travel industry?
The late Kevin Mosher, an early pioneer in LGBTQ+ charter travel. As an entrepreneur he believed travel could broaden perspectives and make the world more understanding.
AS A TRAVELER
Tell us about a travel nightmare: The worst travel mishap is arriving without your luggage.
Share a comical travel experience: Once a friend joined a European trip late and arrived in Venice with no luggage. We rushed to catch a clipper ship while he searched for clothes in an expensive city. In the end we pooled items and donated some of our own clothing so he could join us — everything worked out.
What is your preferred method of travel — planes, trains, automobiles, cruise ships — and why? I enjoy virtually every mode of transport except cars.
What has been the best example of customer service you’ve experienced during your travels?
In Buenos Aires a woman named Monica overheard our conversation and invited my colleague and me to the orchestra that night. She knew all the right connections and got us into a box at Teatro Colón. The performance was stunning and the experience unforgettable. We never saw Monica again, but her kindness made the trip exceptional.