The Family Travel Association has launched a certification program for suppliers, establishing standards they must meet to be designated as family-friendly. 

The FTA said it is “taking the lead in developing industry standards and guidelines that define what it means to be truly family-friendly and identify what suppliers need to do to earn this designation.” 

Standards and guidelines for the FTA Family-Friendly Certification Program were largely created from the input of FTA members, including FTA-certified travel advisors, plus the association’s annual research.

Each segment of the travel industry — cruises, resorts, tours, etc. — has its own set of standards in management processes, communications, booking, guest services, facilities, amenities, health and wellness, activities, accessibility, and financial assistance. 

Suppliers that want to earn certification go through an application process and an audit of current practices. Once approved, suppliers will enter the certification phase, participating in a training program and receiving guidance on creating marketing packages. Certified suppliers can display the FTA logo.

“By creating these industry guidelines, we are hoping to set the standards that will assist organizations when developing products and services for families, and help travel advisors choose who to work with when planning their clients’ vacations,” said Rainer Jenss, founder of the FTA.  

Austin Adventures, Celebrity Cruises, Coltur Peru, Frontiers North Adventures, Brendan Tours, Trafalgar and Royal Caribbean are among the initial suppliers that have already qualified or are in the final stages of certification.

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