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 adventures and orchestrate seamless operations.” When you work with Coltur Peru, you get access to decades […]
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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 […]
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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 content […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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, […]
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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 […]
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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 detailed, family-friendly itineraries and destination guides. She is also the co-host of the Vacation Mavens family travel podcast and […]
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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 available to view on the FTA Info Hub: In the 2023 Annual US Family Travel […]
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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 Industry Affairs, continuing to strengthen the working relationships with travel associations throughout the US. Recently, […]
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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 seen more than enough to be considered travel experts. […]
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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 travel trends. Produced in partnership with the NYU School of Professional Studies, Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality and Edinburgh Napier […]
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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 globe. According to Senior Director of Sales Alicia Steuart, “We […]
Continue Reading StoryAs 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 Angie Wheeler, the latter of which serves on the Family Travel Association board in order to support the […]
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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 in clients from the European country, but Sheehy says it didn’t quite happen like that. Yet, the small business has grown […]
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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 Sales for Discover DeKalb, told us that the area gets a lot of SMERF (Social, Military, […]
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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 time through the member portal. Topics so far have covered Burn Out, 2023 Booking Trends, […]
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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 situation you may encounter while you’re on the road. That’s where safetravelRX comes […]
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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, including Leisure Group Travel, Destination Reunions, TravelAwaits, USA Today, Fox News, Redbook, Travel Channel, Travelocity, and more. Nancy has appeared as a travel expert on radio and television shows, […]
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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 also access the recordings at any time through the member portal. Topics so far […]
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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 they’re looking for families to join in on these adventures. To get the details on what […]
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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 on the road, she does everything she can, from base jumping to dog sledding to caving […]
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A Family Travel Association member’s son is now the youngest American to ever visit all seven continents.
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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, Big Five later moved with the family to the U.S.A. in 1985 […]
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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 acquisitions under one overarching parent brand, named G Travel Community (GTC). According to GTC, the brand’s […]
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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 as a bellman/concierge in a hotel, a driver for a tour company, a […]
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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 20 true tales of the good, the bad and the […]
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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, is free for Travel Industry professionals. Admission to the Travel Industry Conference, […]
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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 advisors in the United States, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Greece, Mexico, New Zealand and the Caribbean.
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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 many interviews with travel professionals to produce Traveling Different: Vacation Strategies for Parents of the […]
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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—travel that makes the world a better place. Founder Lima […]
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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 unwavering commitment to client satisfaction.” A member of the Family Travel Association, Coltur Peru is especially […]
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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 Travel as a travel advisor, Griscavage broke out on her own during the pandemic, launching Runway Travel. With […]
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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, Ohio and Florida. His experiences and relationships led him to roles in […]
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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 partnership opportunities, not to mention discount travel membership clubs and custom travel technology solutions. We talked with Gilmore […]
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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 had 4 children during the process of building up their businesses. The family-owned group is at the forefront of several […]
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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 needs to meet, Destination Sitters connects travelers with experts. FTA recently chatted with Founder & Managing Director […]
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