As an influential leader in family travel, Rainer’s achievements made a tremendous impact on the industry and inspired generations of family travelers

Rainer Jenss, founder of the Family Travel Association (FTA), passed away recently after a courageous, years-long battle with glioblastoma. Named as one of Leisure Group Travel’s Titans of Tourism for his exceptional leadership in the family travel sector, Rainer leaves a lasting legacy of achievements. In celebrating a life well lived, the Family Travel Association, travel industry colleagues and friends pay tribute to Rainer for his vision, inspiration, outstanding contributions, and indomitable spirit.

I enjoyed working closely with Rainer for many years as a member of the Family Travel Association Board. Rainer was passionately committed to family travel, and his enthusiasm and positive energy were contagious. He had an extraordinary gift for forging strong relationships, and his drive and determination captured the imagination and interest of those he met. Rainer inspired travel industry leaders, suppliers, destinations and experts to join his mission to elevate family travel with both consumers and the travel industry. By launching the Family Travel Association in 2014, Jenss established a collaborative, unified industry voice that would inspire families and help change the way they travel.

As A Leader, Rainer Jenss Forged A Lasting Legacy

Rainer Jenss held positions with CNN and Business Travel International before becoming a vice president and 13-year veteran of the National Geographic Society. Jenss noted that during his tenure as publisher of National Geographic Kids from 2002-2008, the publication became the most widely read consumer magazine for children worldwide. Through his work, Rainer was able to see the transformative impact travel has on children’s lives and the cultural appreciation it provides.

During 2008-2009, Rainer and his wife, Carol, traveled around the globe for a year with their two sons, Tyler and Stefan. Rainer wrote about their trip for National Geographic Traveler’s Intelligent Travel blog and National Geographic Kids. The family’s round-the-world journey was impactful, visiting nearly 30 countries and offering opportunities for enrichment and bonding through shared experiences. “Not only would we fulfill a lifelong dream, but we would provide the boys with a foundation that would serve them well into their adult lives,” Jenss shared in the blog.

Rainer’s dedicated commitment to the family travel sphere continued after his trip and charted a path for his future career. In 2011, he founded Smart Family Travel, Inc., an interactive media and marketing company focused on helping families enhance their children’s lives through travel. In 2012, Rainer partnered with Scholastic to direct a new family travel initiative and develop content for Parent & Child magazine’s “Smart Family Travel” feature. As a highly respected family travel authority and advocate, Jenss was a sought-after speaker for industry conferences and events.

Rainer was passionately committed to empowering families to travel with their children, explore new places, and discover what’s possible. With over 30 years of professional and personal experience, Rainer was a true believer in the benefits and transformative power of family travel and the many ways it can enrich children’s lives. As a visionary leader, Rainer put his beliefs into action throughout his career and left an enduring mark on the family travel sector.

Rainer was one of a kind and a positive force in the travel industry. His passion for family travel, extraordinary vision and vibrant spirit will continue to live on through his family, the Family Travel Association and the many people he inspired. I am grateful for Rainer’s friendship, inspiration and tremendous contributions. He will be deeply missed.

As we remember Rainer Jenss and his lasting impact, we honor his exceptional legacy and celebrate his life. Those wishing to make memorial tributes in Rainer’s honor may send donations to the Cape Wellness Collaborative, 436B Station Avenue, South Yarmouth, Massachusetts 02664.

By Nancy Schretter