Visit Philadelphia CEO and LGBTQ tourism pioneer Jeff Guaracino has died at 48 after a long battle with cancer.

A Philadelphia native, Mr. Guaracino worked at Visit Philly from 2001 to 2012, led the Atlantic City Alliance 2012-1015, was for 2 years CEO of Welcome America which runs Philadelphia's Fourth of July events, then in 2018 returned to Visit Philly as CEO. He also wrote and lectured all over the world on LGBTQ tourism.

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney said:

"Jeff was...a proud advocate for the LGBTQ community. With his trademark energy, charismatic charm, and never-ending wit, he helped make Philadelphia the welcoming city and destination that it proudly is today...His death is an enormous loss for our city and region."