Remembering Rainer Jenss, Founder of the Family Travel Association

Rainer Jenss, founder of the Family Travel Association (FTA), passed away on Aug. 29, 2024, after a long battle with glioblastoma. At the time of his passing, he was surrounded by his wife, Carol, and two sons Tyler and Stefan, according to a press release sent out today by the FTA.

Jenss spent much of his life as a passionate advocate for accessible family travel experiences. After a yearlong trip around the world with his wife and sons, he was eager to spread awareness about the potential benefits of family travel, leading him to launch the Family Travel Association in 2014. Described as a “true visionary, mentor and passionate leader” by the FTA, Jenss always aimed to provide his sons with a deep appreciation and global perspective of the world, giving them an education that went far beyond the traditional classroom.

Ken Shapiro, president of the FTA and VP/Editorial Director of TravelAge West and TravelPulse, calls Jenss a “leader, and a true force for good in our industry.”

“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 will be missed.”

In addition to founding the FTA and traveling to more than 60 countries throughout his lifetime, Jenss had established himself as an authority and spokesperson on family travel in general, often contributing his expertise to the media, including TravelAge West. He contributed to National Geographic Traveler’s Intelligent Travel Blog during his initial around-the-world trip, and in 2012, he collaborated with Scholastic to develop the “Smart Family Travel” feature in Parent & Child Magazine. 

Founders, visionaries and leaders leave their mark on this Earth, and Rainer did just that.

He also founded media and marketing company Smart Travel, Inc., which is dedicated to helping families enrich their kids’ lives through travel.

His vision will live on through the work of the FTA for years to come, Shapiro says.

“Founders, visionaries and leaders leave their mark on this Earth, and Rainer did just that,” he said. “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.”

Those interested in making memorial tributes in honor of Jenns may send them to The Cape Wellness at 436B Station Ave, South Yarmouth, Massachusetts.