Where We Began
Inspired by their two boys, Rainer Jenss and his wife decided to do something they always dreamed about — they packed their bags and bought around-the-world airline tickets for their family. Motivated by the notion that travel could provide their boys a deeper appreciation for diverse cultures and a greater perspective on the world than a classroom, they spent a year exploring the globe.
Upon their return, they realized that even though families were hitting the road in record numbers, not enough parents were taking full advantage of all the incredible opportunities that travel has to offer.
To help create a broader awareness of all the family-travel possibilities, Rainer launched the Family Travel Association (FTA), a coalition of the travel industry's leading experts on the subject ..
Today, the FTA is the only association of family travel professionals. It provides tools, resources, education and certification to travel advisors, travel media and travel suppliers in an effort to increase the quality and experience of family travel. As the guiding authority within the industry, the FTA ultimately aspires to empower more families to travel and discover what's possible.
Where We’ve Been
In 2015, the FTA launched an annual summit: a trade-only, conference-style event that brings together the leading stakeholders and key influencers in family travel to connect and gain valuable insights via inspiring presentations, interactive workshops, enlightening research and a diverse array of networking opportunities.
In 2018, the FTA developed a certification program for travel advisors. The FTA has set the standard for knowledge, expertise and excellence for travel advisors specializing in the family travel market. Our goal is to provide advisors with the necessary insights and information to grow and achieve success in family travel sales. Our training is based on relevant market research studies and real-life examples. FTA Certified Family Travel Advisors will have a competitive advantage to confidently deliver family vacation experiences that exceed client expectations at every life stage.
In 2022, the FTA launched a series of Family-Friendly Standards and Guidelines outlining how the travel industry should be serving the specific interests, unique needs and expectations of traveling families. The initiative also included the only Family Friendly Certification Program for suppliers. Taking advantage of the FTA expertise in the area of family travel, as well as drawing from years of consumer data, the FTA Family Friendly Standards and Guidelines were developed to give suppliers within the industry an opportunity to make sure their own family-friendly offerings meet or exceed consumer expectations.
Where We’re Going
The needs of traveling families and the types of traveling families are constantly evolving. The FTA is investing its time and resources to bringing our members the latest family travel research and education to ensure our members are equipped to meet the demands today!