FTA & Member News

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 social media to boost family travel business.   Shannon explored best practices for creating engaging…

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 stake in your family’s business and helping build that legacy. But what happens when a…

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,…

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 benefit in getting off the grid and out on a horse (or kayak, or zipline, or…

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 visitors into the Heeler’s iconic family home, backyard and beyond-in real life. Get ready to play the Bluey way, whilst embarking on an…

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 of the Family Travel Association and bring her passion and expertise to the community. Lee’s a highly engaged,…

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 agencies. Lee began the site 12 years ago and has consistently grown its offerings…

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 their daughters) to guide other families and groups through the nature and culture of Ecuador. We…

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 combined company is operating under the name Six Flags Entertainment Corporation. Each park in the combined company’s…

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 lands with The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic-one of five worlds coming to Universal Epic Universe in 2025.…

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 protect airline passengers from surprise junk fees when purchasing a ticket. The rule requires airlines and ticket agents to tell…

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 ready to celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), taking place May 19-25, 2024. This annual celebration, first established in 1983, marks the U.S. travel…