I just got back from a Fourth of July weekend trip, and the thing that stood out to me was how many people are booking travel, especially families. My flights from Los Angeles to Portland, Oregon, were at least one-third to one-half full with parents and their kids. That was true in the airports, as well. Despite all the economic and political turmoil we hear about every day, families still want to make memories on vacation.
Of course, this is great news for travel advisors. Knowing that you can count on family travel — which is the largest travel market — means that you will always have a durable base of business.
Knowing that you can count on family travel — which is the largest travel market — means that you will always have a durable base of business.
If you are an advisor who is interested in selling more family travel, I strongly suggest you consider joining the Family Travel Association (FTA). I have written about the organization over the years (full disclosure, I am a past president), but in case you are unfamiliar with it, the FTA is the only travel trade association solely dedicated to promoting and supporting family travel. It has many advisor members, along with suppliers that are truly dedicated to this market, so you know that you are collaborating with companies that will take care of your clients.
Along with the other membership benefits, the FTA is hosting a retreat Sept. 24-27 at Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort. The event is a terrific opportunity for advisors to experience this family-friendly destination and to learn more about the trends and opportunities in the market, and for suppliers to reach an audience of family travel specialists.
Every year, the FTA co-authors a comprehensive survey on family travel, and in every report, the association hears from parents who share the value they see in having their kids experience more of the world. Vacations are not only good for the health of the family unit, but they also help create global citizens. As advisors, you can certainly do your part to bring these benefits to your clients.
