Featured Posts
Q&A with Yvonne Lane, Founder & Managing Director of Destination Sitters
Destination Sitters provides fully vetted, strictly screened, and highly experienced sitters for your travel experiences. Whether you want a night out on the town without the kids, desire extra assistance in an amusement park, or have special
Continue Reading StoryQ&A with Chitra Stern, CEO of Martinhal
Owner and founding board member of Martinhal Family Hotels & Resorts, Chitra is a passionate entrepreneur and real-estate & hotel developer, working alongside her business-partner and husband, Roman, on their projects in Portugal. They have h
Continue Reading StoryQ&A With David Gilmore, Director Strategic Partnerships for Panorama Travel Solutions
Working with Panorama, a Travel and Leisure Co. brand, David Gilmore’s goal is to help travel businesses bring convenience, information, inspiration and value to their customers. Panorama is delivering a full suite of travel solutions and B2B partn
Continue Reading StoryQ&A: Eric Lutey, Business Development Manager for Family Travel Association
FTA is proud to announce our new business development manager, Eric Lutey; who brings many years of tour and travel industry experience to the role. Lutey started his career a little over 20 years ago, working as a student tour operator in Michigan,
Continue Reading StoryQ&A with Jessica Griscavage, Founder of Runway Travel
As a Family Travel Association board member for the last three years and new chair of the association’s Travel Advisor committee, Jessica Griscavage cares deeply about making family travel unforgettable. After many years working for McCabe World Tr
Continue Reading StoryQ&A: Mariana Watson, Commercial Director of Coltur Peru
Coltur Peru has spent 65 years spreading a love for Peru and creating positive impact through travel. The travel company has roots in a family history of adventure and travel, “deeply engrained ethics, extensive knowledge of our country and unwaver
Continue Reading StoryQ&A: Loulu Lima, Chief Travel Guru of Book Here, Give Here
Book Here, Give Here was founded by Loulu Lima in 2015 as a way for travelers to not only see the world, but to do it in a socially conscious way. This minority- and woman-owned business based in Austin, Texas supports responsible travel with a cause
Continue Reading StoryQ&A: Dawn M. Barclay, Traveling Different
Dawn M. Barclay has spent more than 30 years in the travel industry, as a travel reporter, a travel agent, sales and marketing, Global Luxury Suites, an international limo company and more. Recently, she’s combined that experience with research and
Continue Reading StoryFamily Travel Association (FTA) Announces Partnership with Signature Travel Network
New York – September 19, 2022 – The Family Travel Association (FTA) has formed its first partnership with a consortia: Signature Travel Network, a member-owned community of leading travel agencies, representing more than 10,000 travel advisor
Continue Reading StoryNY International Travel Show is Coming Soon and You’re Invited!
Exclusive Trade Only Day is Friday, October 28. Open to Trade and Public Saturday, October 29 and Sunday, October 30. Admission to the Exhibition and Travel Industry Reception on Trade Only Day, in addition to the two Days open to the public,
Continue Reading StoryQ&A: Claudia Laroye, Author of ‘A Gelato a Day’
One gelato a day is enough to keep any family going. At least, that was Claudia Laroye’s policy growing up, and it’s now the title of her new book, a collection of stories all about family travel from writers all over. This collection of 2
Continue Reading StoryQ&A: Rauf Shakir, CEO of USA Guided Tours
Traveling with USA Guided Tours means a personalized approach to sightseeing, led by locals with a passion for their city. The company was started nearly a decade ago by Rauf Shakir and partners. He had years of experience in DC hospitality, working
Continue Reading StoryG Adventures Forms New Holding Company, G Travel Community
The new year is already seeing changes in the travel industry, including the formation of a new holding company for community tourism pioneer and small-group adventure operator G Adventures. The new holding company will bring existing and new brand a
Continue Reading StoryQ&A: Ashish Sanghrajka, Big Five Tours & Expeditions
Big Five Tours & Expeditions began in Kenya in 1973 as a safari company for East Africa. This year, the family business celebrates 50 years of offering travel all around the world. Started by Mahen Sanghrajka after he discovered a love of travel,
Continue Reading StoryAround The World at Two Years Old – MO
A Family Travel Association member’s son is now the youngest American to ever visit all seven continents.
Continue Reading StoryAround The World at Two Years Old
A Family Travel Association member’s son is now the youngest American to ever visit all seven continents. Travel expert Lesley Carter of Bucket List Publications has been traveling her entire life, visiting nearly 100 countries at this point. While
Continue Reading StoryQ&A: Laura Burdett-Munns, Journeysmiths
For more than three decades, the UK-based Journeysmiths has been creating unique and unforgettable experiences in wildlife and wild places. While they began with a focus on Africa, the company is expanding its unique approach across the globe, and th
Continue Reading StoryLunch & Learn Recap: Fiji Tourism
Every two weeks, the Family Travel Association is hosting a virtual Lunch & Learn, just a half hour on Wednesdays to learn from suppliers, panel discussions and industry experts. Being an FTA member, you can not just attend these webinars, but al
Continue Reading StoryQ&A: Travel Trends and Media Members with Nancy Schretter
Nancy Schretter is the President of Beacon Group Holdings, Inc. As an award-winning editor and travel journalist, Schretter’s articles, quotes and insights on travel have been featured in dozens of leading print and online media outlets, includin
Continue Reading StorysafetravelRX: 24/7 Peace of Mind
Would you know how to call for an emergency responder in Italy? Could you find a pharmacist in Egypt that speaks English? What about the latest health guidelines in Costa Rica? Even if you’re a seasoned traveler, you can’t account for every situa
Continue Reading StoryLunch & Learn Recap: Cowboy-Cations
Every few weeks, the Family Travel Association is hosting a 30-minute virtual Lunch & Learn with suppliers, industry experts and panel discussions. Being an FTA member, you can not just attend these webinars, but also access the recordings at any
Continue Reading StoryWelcome to the Family: Discover DeKalb
Just outside of Atlanta, Georgia lies a haven for family travel. North of the downtown area, Discover DeKalb—a new FTA member—represents a group of cities and towns with a hugely diverse selection of travel offerings. Michael Vescio, Director of
Continue Reading StoryFTA Member Spotlight: Il Viaggio Travel
Sustainability, accessibility, education—Il Viaggio Travel does it all. While based in Costa Rica, “Il Viaggio” is actually Italian for “travel,” inspired by co-founder Stephanie Sheehy’s family and heritage. The initial hope was to draw
Continue Reading StoryFTA Member Spotlight: The Unique Traveler
As their name implies, The Unique Traveler offers distinct experiences, crafted intentionally with more than 25 years of experience, personal consultations and a worldwide network of travel partners. The tour operator is run by Kristi Howard and Angi
Continue Reading StoryWhy Cruise Lines Make For the Perfect Family Trip
There are a lot of benefits to working with the largest cruise line in the world, especially for families. As of May 2023, Carnival Cruise Line operates a fleet of 25 ships, with another in the works, across 15 different home ports spread across the
Continue Reading Story2023 US Family Travel Survey Results
The 2023 Family Travel Association annual family travel survey highlights post-pandemic trends, positive attitudes and opportunities for growth. Today, the Family Travel Association released findings from its 2023 U.S. Family Travel Survey on family
Continue Reading StoryFTA Member Spotlight: Family Travels and Adventures
Kristin Luz has been traveling her entire adult life, so it only made sense to help others do the same. From trekking the Inca Trail to sailing on a 50-foot yacht in Greece and visiting village markets in Morocco, Luz and her family have done and see
Continue Reading StoryMeet the Board: Karlene Angus-Smith
Karlene Angus-Smith has been with Sandals’ Unique Vacations since September 2002, working her way up over the years to her current role as Associate Director of Industry Affairs. Her new position allows her to work along with the Director of Indust
Continue Reading StoryTrends in the Family Market Recap
Recently, the Family Travel Association presented an hour-long Lunch & Learn webinar covering the latest Trends in the Family Market, hosted by three experts in the industry. Here are just a few key highlights from the full discussion, which is a
Continue Reading StoryMeet the Board: Tamara Gruber
A former marketing executive, Tamara Gruber launched We3Travel.com in 2013 to share her passion for family travel. Now a travel writer and podcaster based in New England, Gruber works to make it easier for others to plan vacations by providing de
Continue Reading StoryMeet the Board: Stephanie Lee
Stephanie Lee is the founder of Host Agency Reviews (HAR), a website that connects over 70k visitors a month to travel industry resources. HAR helps people looking to join the travel industry the roadmap to successfully start and grow their travel ag
Continue Reading StoryMeet the Board: Jenn Lee
Jenn Lee, Travel Planners International’s VP of Industry Engagement and Support, isn’t shy about her obsession for guiding and leading today’s entrepreneurial-minded travel advisor community. So, it was a natural fit for her to join the board o
Continue Reading StoryAre You Ready for National Travel and Tourism Week?
The annual celebration underscores travel’s essential role in driving our nation’s economy, cultivating vibrant communities and forging connections. You may already have your calendars marked, but if you didn’t, be sure you’re
Continue Reading StoryNew Rule to Save Airline Passengers Millions in Hidden Junk Fees
Rule will save consumers over half a billion dollars each year in expensive, unexpected baggage, change, and cancellation fees by requiring airlines to make these costs clear upfront. The Biden-Harris Administration has announced a final rule to prot
Continue Reading StoryFTA Member Spotlight: Amazing Ecuador
Amazing Ecuador was founded by Paúl Peralvo and Belén Sandoval out of a love for their beautiful country. This husband and wife duo went to school for ecotourism and tourism business administration respectively, and have joined forces (along with t
Continue Reading StoryStep Into Bluey’s World, Opening in Brisbane in November 2024
The eagerly anticipated Bluey’s World is set to open in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia on November 7, 2024, offering families an unforgettable Bluey adventure. Bluey’s World is a one-of-a-kind, immersive experience that will take visitor
Continue Reading StorySix Flags and Cedar Fair Complete Merger
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, now the largest and most diverse amusement park operator in North America, has announced the successful completion of the merger of equals between Cedar Fair and former Six Flags, effective July 1, 2024. The combi
Continue Reading StoryFTA Member Spotlight: Dude Ranch Association
The Dude Ranch Association has been around for nearly 100 years, and it’s just as relevant as ever. In fact, these relatively secluded, nature-filled destinations were perfect for the era of social distancing, and families continue to see the benef
Continue Reading StoryUniversal Orlando Resort Unveils New Details About the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
The destination’s third installment of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is coming to Universal Epic Universe in 2025. In 2025, Universal Orlando Resort will debut its third captivating installment of its wildly popular Harry Potter-themed la
Continue Reading StoryCelebrating the Legacy of Rainer Jenss
September 5, 2024 – It is with a heavy heart that the Family Travel Association (FTA)announces the passing of our founder, Rainer Jenss. On August 29, 2024, Rainer lost his long and brave battle with glioblastoma. In his final hours, he was sur
Continue Reading StorySocial Media Best Practices for Tour Operators
Social media can be a powerful tool, but only if you know how to use it right. In a Family Travel Association Lunch & Learn with Tamay Shannon, Social Media Strategist and Founder of W2S Marketing, we looked at how you can effectively use socia
Continue Reading StorySuccession Planning for Your Family Business
Family businesses can be incredibly rewarding and fulfilling for all involved. From growing up and seeing other family members work hard each day to joining a family business through marriage, there’s a lot of pride that comes from having a sta
Continue Reading StoryColtur Peru: Outdoor Adventures, Hidden Gems and Millennia of History
Nestled in the heart of the South American country, you’ll find Coltur Peru, a destination management company with a history going back to 1957. As a family business, the closeknit team of experts join forces to “craft unparalleled travel adventu
Continue Reading StoryColtur Peru: Outdoor Adventures, Hidden Gems and Millennia of History
Nestled in the heart of the South American country, you’ll find Coltur Peru, a destination management company with a history going back to 1957. As a family business, the closeknit team of experts join forces to “craft unparalleled travel adventu
Continue Reading StorySuccession Planning for Your Family Business
Family businesses can be incredibly rewarding and fulfilling for all involved. From growing up and seeing other family members work hard each day to joining a family business through marriage, there’s a lot of pride that comes from having a sta
Continue Reading StorySocial Media Best Practices for Tour Operators
Social media can be a powerful tool, but only if you know how to use it right. In a Family Travel Association Lunch & Learn with Tamay Shannon, Social Media Strategist and Founder of W2S Marketing, we looked at how you can effectively use socia
Continue Reading StoryUniversal Orlando Resort Unveils New Details About the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
The destination’s third installment of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is coming to Universal Epic Universe in 2025. In 2025, Universal Orlando Resort will debut its third captivating installment of its wildly popular Harry Potter-themed la
Continue Reading StoryFTA Member Spotlight: Dude Ranch Association
The Dude Ranch Association has been around for nearly 100 years, and it’s just as relevant as ever. In fact, these relatively secluded, nature-filled destinations were perfect for the era of social distancing, and families continue to see the benef
Continue Reading StorySix Flags and Cedar Fair Complete Merger
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, now the largest and most diverse amusement park operator in North America, has announced the successful completion of the merger of equals between Cedar Fair and former Six Flags, effective July 1, 2024. The combi
Continue Reading StoryStep Into Bluey’s World, Opening in Brisbane in November 2024
The eagerly anticipated Bluey’s World is set to open in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia on November 7, 2024, offering families an unforgettable Bluey adventure. Bluey’s World is a one-of-a-kind, immersive experience that will take visitor
Continue Reading StoryFTA Member Spotlight: Amazing Ecuador
Amazing Ecuador was founded by Paúl Peralvo and Belén Sandoval out of a love for their beautiful country. This husband and wife duo went to school for ecotourism and tourism business administration respectively, and have joined forces (along with t
Continue Reading StoryNew Rule to Save Airline Passengers Millions in Hidden Junk Fees
Rule will save consumers over half a billion dollars each year in expensive, unexpected baggage, change, and cancellation fees by requiring airlines to make these costs clear upfront. The Biden-Harris Administration has announced a final rule to prot
Continue Reading StoryAre You Ready for National Travel and Tourism Week?
The annual celebration underscores travel’s essential role in driving our nation’s economy, cultivating vibrant communities and forging connections. You may already have your calendars marked, but if you didn’t, be sure you’re
Continue Reading StoryMeet the Board: Jenn Lee
Jenn Lee, Travel Planners International’s VP of Industry Engagement and Support, isn’t shy about her obsession for guiding and leading today’s entrepreneurial-minded travel advisor community. So, it was a natural fit for her to join the board o
Continue Reading StoryMeet the Board: Stephanie Lee
Stephanie Lee is the founder of Host Agency Reviews (HAR), a website that connects over 70k visitors a month to travel industry resources. HAR helps people looking to join the travel industry the roadmap to successfully start and grow their travel ag
Continue Reading Story