With deep sorrow, The
Family Travel Association (FTA) has announced the passing of its founder,
Rainer Jenss, who lost his courageous battle with glioblastoma on August 29,
2024. Jenss, who spent his final moments surrounded by his wife Carol and sons Tyler and Stefan, leaves behind a lasting legacy in the family travel sector
that he helped to shape.
A true visionary, sage
mentor, and fervent leader, Jenss had a profound impact on everyone he
encountered. Believing that travel offered his sons a richer understanding and
broader perspective than any classroom could, Rainer embarked on a life-changing
year-long journey around the globe with his wife and kids. Driven by a desire
to broaden awareness about family travel opportunities, Rainer founded the
Family Travel Association in 2014.
This coalition
brings together top industry suppliers, experts and resources to make
information and inspiration readily available to the traveling public. Under Jenss’
guidance, the association has flourished over the past decade and now encompasses
over 1,000 members. It stands as the sole organization dedicated to providing
family travel professionals with a comprehensive range of tools, resources,
education and certification programs aimed at enhancing the travel experience
for families.
“Probably more
than anyone I’ve ever met, Rainer had a passion for bettering the lives of
traveling families,” said Ken Shapiro, President of the FTA. “He wanted to help
families get out into the world and share meaningful time discovering the
wonders of travel together. He advocated for families and worked to raise the
bar on the experiences offered through travel. He supported all types of family
travel and showed parents the endless possibilities that exist for them. He was
a leader and a true force for good in our industry, and he will be missed.”
Rainer Jenss, founder of the Family Travel Association. (Photo Credit: Family Travel Association)
Jenss’ influence
on family travel extended beyond the FTA. He traveled to more than 60 countries
and became a well-respected voice on the subject of how travel can serve as an
educational tool for children. His adventures were chronicled in National Geographic
Traveler’s Intelligent Travel Blog during his family’s world tour. Then, in
2011, he founded Smart Family Travel, Inc., a media and marketing company
dedicated to helping families improve their kids’ lives through travel. In
2012, Rainer collaborated with Scholastic to direct a fresh family travel initiative
and develop content for Parent & Child magazine’s “Smart Family Travel”
feature.
“Founders,
visionaries, and leaders leave their mark on this Earth and Rainer did just
that,” said Shapiro. “His vision and passion for the FTA, along with his love
for the family travel industry, were incredibly infectious, and his light
remains undiminished. His spirit and legacy will forever be a part of the FTA
and inspire the work we do each and every day.”
As the family
travel sector mourns this tremendous loss, Jenss’ contributions will continue
to shape the way families explore the world together. For those wishing to
honor his memory, donations may be made to The Cape Wellness, 436B Station Ave,
South Yarmouth, MA 02664.
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