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FTA & Member News

The Journey to Space on Capsule 79

By membershipcoordinator | October 2, 2024

In a recent Lunch & Learn, we heard all about the future of space tourism from Dawn Androsky, space explorer and independent franchise owner of Cruise Planners – Global Travitude. Dawn took us on an out-of-this-world journey into her upcoming adventure with Space Perspective’s Spaceship Neptune, when she’ll take a luxury trip beyond Earth’s atmosphere…

Traverse City Becomes First Autism Certified Travel Destination in Michigan

By membershipcoordinator | October 2, 2024

Traverse City has become the first city in Michigan to qualify as a Certified Autism Destination. Travelers living with autism or sensory needs should find it easier vacationing in Traverse City, thanks to numerous businesses that have received training from an internationally recognized autism accreditation organization. The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES)…

Building Relationships with Suppliers: Going Beyond Traditional Networking

By membershipcoordinator | September 18, 2024

Prior to 2020, many of us had long-existing industry contacts with whom we’d built strong relationships over the course of several years, perhaps even decades. We were always growing, of course, but these thriving connections were not only a benefit to the jobs we do each day, but were downright enjoyable to have! Fast forward…

Coltur Peru: Outdoor Adventures, Hidden Gems and Millennia of History

By membershipcoordinator | September 10, 2024

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…

Social Media Best Practices for Tour Operators

By membershipcoordinator | September 6, 2024

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…

Succession Planning for Your Family Business

By membershipcoordinator | September 6, 2024

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…

Celebrating the Legacy of Rainer Jenss

By membershipcoordinator | September 5, 2024

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,…

Dude Ranch Association – More Relevant Than Ever

By kasie@serendipity-media.com | August 30, 2024

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…

STEP INTO BLUEY’S WORLD, OPENING IN BRISBANE IN NOVEMBER 2024

By kasie@serendipity-media.com | August 30, 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 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…

Meet Jenn Lee

By kasie@serendipity-media.com | August 29, 2024

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,…

Meet Stephanie Lee

By kasie@serendipity-media.com | August 29, 2024

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

By kasie@serendipity-media.com | August 29, 2024

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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