Rainer Jenss, founder of the Family Travel Association (FTA), an industry organization that promotes and advocates for family-focused travel, died Aug. 29 after a battle with glioblastoma, according to the FTA.
Rainer Jenss
Jenss launched the FTA in 2014 after embarking on a yearlong round-the-world trip in 2009 with his wife, Carol, and sons Tyler and Stefan.
"I realized that even though families were hitting the road in record numbers, not enough parents were taking full advantage of all the incredible opportunities that travel has to offer," he said in a founders' letter posted on the FTA's website.
Today, the FTA has more than 1,000 members and provides tools, resources and education on family travel, as well as certification for both suppliers and travel advisors.
Jenns had a long association with family-focused travel. In 2011, he founded media and marketing company Family Travel, which was "dedicated to helping families enrich their children's lives through travel," according to his FTA biography. In 2012, in partnership with Scholastic, he helped develop the "Smart Family Travel" feature for Parent & Child magazine.
He reported on his family's round-the-world travel for National Geographic Traveler's Intelligent Travel Blog. He also was vice president of the National Geographic Society; he published "National Geographic Kids" from 2002 to 2008. Before that, he held positions with CNN International and Business Travel International.
"Probably more than anyone I've ever met, Rainer had a passion for bettering the lives of traveling families," said Ken Shapiro, the editorial director for TravelAge West and Travel Pulse who also serves as president of the FTA board. "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," Shapiro added. "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."
Memorial tributes in Jenss' honor can be made to the Cape Wellness Collaborative, 436B Station Ave., South Yarmouth, Mass. 02664.