SWT Tourism Skillshop - Best Practices for Family Travel

Vacations with children continue to be a thriving segment of all travel. According to a 2023 survey by the Family Travel Association, 81% of respondents were deemed "very likely" to travel in the next 12 months, often in the company of grandparents or friends.
Families traveling with children have a wide range of interests, from national parks and campgrounds to museums, cultural centers, and resorts. In 2023, these folks spent an average of $6,750 per family on things to do that were fun, educational, and rejuvenating.
Tourism stakeholders that place a high value on welcoming families are poised to capture this market segment, which is willing to spend money on memorable experiences rather than tangible objects. However, efforts to attract visitors traveling with kids must be genuine, age-appropriate, and consistent across a spectrum of tour operators, lodging establishments, and attractions.
Industry veteran Erin Kirkland will present best practices for family travel that will encourage repeat visitation. Through comprehensive "how-to" strategies and real-world case studies, this webinar will provide attendees with a toolkit and timeline for successfully adapting and creating kid-friendly activities regardless of location, budget, or product.
Mandy Garica will join this webinar as a panelist, after Erin’s presentation, and share ways to attract and manage family travel as a small tour operator in Alaska. Mandy is the co-owner of Salmon Berry Travel & Tours, a female-owned enterprise providing daily guided tours in southcentral Alaska.