The FTA is proud to announce we will be returning to a LIVE event for the 2023 FTA Summit. Please mark your calendar for October 12 - 15, 2023 in Boston, MA. Further details and registration information will be available mid-March.

Welcome to the next edition of the Family Travel Association newsletter.

We have some exciting news to share with you this month, starting with our Lunch & Learn series of events. Created for members only, these webinars are designed to give you a chance to get important family travel education directly from the source. Our first Lunch & Learn focused on the destination of Fiji, which is one of the most family-friendly spots out there. Ruth Daly from Tourism Fiji lead the discussion and shared information that is sure to help you learn more about the islands. If you are curious about our future Lunch & Learn events, check out the schedule here.

In other big news this month, I am very pleased to announce more details about the return of the FTA Annual Summit. Please save the date of Oct. 12-15 for the Summit, which will take place in Boston, Mass. We’re so excited to bring FTA members to this great family-friendly destination for three days of networking, education, business appointments, presentations and destination immersion. More details will be available soon.

Finally, I just want to mention again that we’re looking for member volunteers to join our association committees. These groups have a major influence on the direction of the FTA, so you should be sure to get involved. Whether you’re a media member, travel advisor or supplier, we have a committee that meets your needs. Please email Kasie Smith (kasie@familytravel.org) for more information.

-Ken Shapiro, President of the Board of the Family Travel Association

Research Snippet: Changing Trip Types

Compared to last year’s survey, there are noticeable differences in the types of trips families are planning to take. City vacations are experiencing a considerable rebound: The percentage of families expecting to take a family trip has increased from 34% in 2021 to 65% in 2022. The percentage of families expecting to travel for events has doubled compared to last year: events received a score of 23% in 2021, and of 46% in 2022. Museums and cultural attractions also show an increase in appeal from 36% (2021) to 48% (2022). Demand for all three trip types was suppressed in 2021 due to the restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic but is now experiencing a recovery.

Upcoming Lunch & Learn:

March 1| 12:30 - 1:00p.m. ET - Education Session: Burnout with Heather Davis, Music Travel Consultants

Burnout is a challenge our industry faced pre-COVID that has only been exacerbated by a simultaneous decrease in staff and increase in consumer demand. In this session, we will explore what burnout entails, what causes it and how to recognize it in yourself and your employees. Participants will be exposed to tools that can help prevent and manage burnout.

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. and have since expanded operations to include Latin America, Asia, other areas of Africa and more. The FTA sat down with Ashish to learn more about Big Five and why they joined the FTA. 

Interested in becoming more involved in the FTA? Joining a committee is a great way to start. Our current committees are for advisors, suppliers, media, events and DEI. Please reach out to info@familytravel.org to join the committee that best suits you.

The Family Travel Association is growing! We are thrilled to welcome our new members...

Elite Travel Journeys, inc.

You Deserve It! Vacations

Tailored Costa Rica

Magical Memories

Chabil Mar Villas

Kidmoto Technologies

Destinations Where Black Lives Matter

Family Travel Forum

Explore historic sites, institutions and Black culture destinations where Black lives matter. These destinations will fuel fascinating conversations about race and justice that too few travelers engage in.

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25 Entertaining Family Activities in Hot Springs, Arkansas That Will Keep Your Family From Getting Bored

Nicky Omohundro - Little Family Adventure 

Hot Springs, Arkansas is nestled in the picturesque Ouachita Mountains and boasts natural hot springs, scenic hiking trails, Hot Springs National Park, an array of historical attractions, and diverse recreational offerings making it the ideal destination for your next family vacation. Whether it’s enjoying the city amenities or exploring nature’s playground – there are plenty of fun family activities in Hot Springs that will keep everyone entertained.

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Elkhart Lake, WI: A Small Town With Big Fun – 15 Family Activities

Nicky Omohundro - Little Family Adventure 

Small towns have a lot to offer families, especially those with teens and older children. From the local food to the activities, everything is usually more affordable and the people are friendly and welcoming. One small Midwest town that has a lot to offer active families is Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.

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35 Incredible Spring Break Destinations to Take Your Family This Year

Nicky Omohundro - Little Family Adventure 

Is your family looking to explore the wilderness, soak up some sun on a Caribbean cruise or embark on an exciting midwest road trip? Spring break provides countless opportunities for creating amazing memories with family. But there are SO MANY OPTIONS out there when it comes to finding the perfect spring break getaways for your families.

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7 Places to Swim With Whale Sharks Responsibly

Rina Baraz Nehdar

When travelers swim with whale sharks, which can be as big as a school bus, their concern need not be for their own safety. Whale sharks are like the cows of the underwater world and have never been known to attack a human.

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