The Challenge
Before partnering with Learn Tourism, the Family Travel Association faced a key challenge: efficiently training a large, distributed network of travel advisors to meet the unique needs of family travelers. While demand for family-friendly vacations was growing, many advisors lacked specialized knowledge and confidence to serve this market effectively. The FTA recognized an opportunity to standardize education, scale their impact, and position certified planners as trusted experts through a flexible, online certification program.
The Solution
The Family Travel Association sought a partner who could deliver expert-led, scalable, and accessible education to its growing advisor network. After exploring traditional in-person workshops and static online modules, they selected Learn Tourism for its flexible, mobile-friendly Learning Experience Platform (LXP), built specifically for the tourism industry. Key to their decision was the ability to offer dynamic course content, real-time learner analytics, and multilingual access, making it easier to support a global community of travel professionals.
By collaborating with Learn Tourism, the FTA launched a custom certification course tailored to the needs of family travel advisors. The course featured engaging, research-backed modules, including tools to identify different traveler personas (like Cautious, Hassle-Free, and Intrepid families), supplier insights, and practical planning resources. Advisors could complete the program at their own pace while FTA tracked progress and outcomes through the platform’s built-in dashboards.
“I sell travel to families every day. I feel better equipped to anticipate their needs and suggest vacations based on what I’ve learned. This course will help me better relate to and serve my clients.”
The combination of smart course design and seamless delivery empowered FTA to enhance advisor confidence, increase client satisfaction, and elevate their brand as the leader in family travel education.
The Results
Since launching their certification with Learn Tourism, the Family Travel Association has certified over 700 travel advisors, significantly expanding its network of qualified professionals equipped to serve families with diverse needs. The results speak volumes:
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97% of learners said the course met or exceeded their expectations.
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Over 57% rated the course content as “Excellent.”
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371 travel planners completed the program and shared practical ways they immediately applied their learning.
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Common themes included improved traveler matching, better supplier awareness, and confidence in planning complex, multi-generational trips.
The program didn’t just deliver knowledge—it sparked real change.
“The grouping of Cautious, Hassle Free, and Intrepid travelers is a great way for me to qualify future clients and anticipate the types of vacations to recommend.”
“I appreciated the discussion of the importance of planning in advance and the challenge of accommodating larger families.”
With a proven system for scalable training, FTA now stands as a model for how industry associations can elevate advisor competence and consumer confidence, making family travel more fulfilling for everyone.
