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 surrounded by his wife, Carol, and their sons, Tyler and Stefan.
A true visionary, mentor and passionate leader, Rainer was an inspiration to everyone he met. Motivated by the notion that travel could provide his boys a deeper appreciation and greater perspective for the world than a classroom, Rainer and his wife decided to embark on a yearlong adventure around the world. Upon their return, Rainer was inspired to spread a broader awareness of family travel possibilities, and in 2014 launched the Family Travel Association, a coalition of industry-leading suppliers, resources and experts. Ten years later, thanks to his leadership, the association has grown to over 1,000 members and is the only association of family travel professionals providing tools, resources, education and certification in an effort to increase the quality and experience of family travel.
“Probably more than anyone I’ve ever met, Rainer had a passion for bettering the lives of traveling families,” said Ken Shapiro, President of the FTA. “He wanted to help families get out into the world and share meaningful time discovering the wonders of travel together. He advocated for families and worked to raise the bar on the experiences offered through travel. He supported all types of family travel and showed parents the endless possibilities that exist for them. He was a leader and a true force for good in our industry, and he will be missed.”
Having traveled to more than 60 countries, Rainer was an authority on the subject of family travel and how it can be used as a learning tool. During his family’s around-the-world journey, Rainer reported for National Geographic Traveler’s award-winning Intelligent Travel Blog. In 2011, Rainer founded Smart Family Travel, Inc., an interactive media and marketing company dedicated to helping families enrich their children’s lives through travel. In 2012, he joined forces with Scholastic to direct a new family travel initiative and content development for the “Smart Family Travel” feature in Parent & Child magazine.
“Founders, visionaries, and leaders leave their mark on this Earth and Rainer did just that,” said Shapiro. “His vision and passion for the FTA, along with his love for the family travel industry, were incredibly infectious, and his light remains undiminished. His spirit and legacy will forever be a part of the FTA and inspire the work we do each and every day.”
Memorial tributes may be made to The Cape Wellness in honor of Rainer at 436B Station Ave, South Yarmouth, MA 02664.
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