March 2025
Family Travel—Creating Lasting Memories Across Generations
By Lydia Gregory
In the ever-evolving landscape of travel, family vacations continue to be a cornerstone of the industry. As travel advisors, understanding the nuances of family-friendly destinations and experiences is crucial to meeting the diverse needs of your clients. Keep reading for insights from executives with three of the world’s most sought-after destinations for family fun.
A Multigenerational Haven
For over 25 years,
Atlantis Paradise Island
has been synonymous with family vacations in The Bahamas. “Atlantis is unwavering in its commitment to crafting unforgettable family experiences, presenting a variety of activities with both classic adventures that have stood the test of time and amenities and offerings that are constantly evolving,†says Ann-Sofi Gustafsson, VP, Leisure Sales & Marketing.
The resort’s appeal, she adds, lies in its ability to cater to a wide array of interests and ages. Families can choose from five exceptional hotel experiences, each offering a unique atmosphere.
ANN
Gustafsson highlights the resort’s F&B offerings, noting, “As the culinary capital of the Caribbean, the resort is home to over 40 restaurants, bars, cafes and lounges.â€
Then there are the “endless activities and amenities designed for guests and families of all ages,†she says, from
Aquaventure
, one of the world’s largest water parks, to
Atlantis Kids Adventures (AKA)
.
When it comes to trends, Atlantis has its finger on the pulse: “Atlantis Paradise Island continues making childhood dreams come true with its current partnership with global toy and entertainment company Mattel for the
Barbie Bahamas Beach Vacation.
†This collaboration, running through 2026, features Barbie-themed experiences throughout the resort.
New to Atlantis are the
Good Lies Mini Golf Course
and
The Lost City Escape Room
. “Atlantis Paradise Island continues to redefine the family vacation experience by offering a perfect blend of classic favorites and exciting new adventures,†says Gustaffson in closing.
Personalized Magic for Every Family
Jack Sharp, Director of Travel Agency Sales at
Disney Destinations
, says “With so many options, customization and personalized planning is key.†He advises travel advisors to focus on understanding their clients’ unique vacation needs and “discover what matters most to them,†as every family has different preferences.
JACK SHARP
Sharp notes, “Our Disney Destinations portfolio features a wide range of vacation experiences tailored to every family and budget, complemented by various promotions throughout the year.â€
For travel advisors, Sharp sees family vacations as an opportunity to build on. He states, “When travel advisors engage with clients who have young families, they are laying a foundation for a long-term relationship that can span across multiple vacations, and by offering personalized recommendations tailored to the unique needs of every family, travel advisors have the opportunity to become trusted partners in their clients’ journeys.â€
Looking ahead, Sharp highlights upcoming events and additions across Disney Destinations. “Starting this spring, we’re celebrating seven decades of happiness during the
Disneyland Resort
70th celebration,†he shares.
Walt Disney World Resort
will welcome new entertainment, including “Disney Starlight,†a nighttime parade at
Magic Kingdom
, and “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After,†a live show at
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
.
Disney Cruise Line
is also expanding its fleet with two new ships, the
Disney Destiny
and the
Disney Adventure
.
To support travel advisors, Disney offers resources through their trade website,
disneytravelagents.com
, which Sharp describes as “a one-stop shop for updates, special offers, marketing materials, training and much more,†though he emphasizes the company’s sales team is one of the organization’s most important resources.
A Destination of Endless Possibilities
Casandra Matej, President & CEO of
Visit Orlando
, describes 2025 as a landmark year for the destination, “with the opening of the first new theme park in 25 years, alongside world-class attractions, an award-winning dining scene and international sporting events.â€
CASANDRA
With such a wealth of experiences, Matej advises travel advisors to help clients prioritize their top attractions without feeling pressured to see everything in one trip. She suggests, “Weaving in an extra day into the itinerary to enjoy a pool day or other hotel amenities, or even a day for spontaneous activities is important, too.â€
For up-to-date information, Matej recommends
visitorlando.com
as the best starting point, with its blog and events calendar featuring the latest destination updates to help narrow options. Finally, “For travel advisors, we also recommend joining our
Orlando Travel Academy
, which is full of resources on everything from our attractions to outdoor adventures.â€
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Table of Contents
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Editor's Notes
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Industry Insights: Family Travel:Creating Lasting Memories Across Generations Destiny
Advisor Speak: Fora—Making Huge Waves Across the Industry
Cruise: Set Sail Around the World—From Kid-Friendly Cruises to Alaska Adventures
OCEANIA SC
OCEANIA FP
PRINCESS SC
PRINCESS CRUISES
REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES
REGENT SEVEN SEAS SC
VIRGIN VOYAGES
VIRGIN VOYAGES SC
DISNEY CRUISE LINE SC
EXPLORA JOURNEYS SC
Onboard Review: Multigenerational Adventure on AmaWaterways
Onboard Review: Azamara—It's A Family Affair
North America: Florida—Powerhouse Tourism Destination
ACADEMY TRAVEL SC
ACADEMY TRAVEL
FORT MYERS SC
Fort Myers Islands, Beaches & Neighborhoods
Onsite Review: Ocala—A Feast of Natural Wonders & Historic Charm
Caribbean/Mexico: Beachcombers Bliss—Finding the Perfect Family Beach Retreat
Villa Retreats
LIVE AQUA SC
SANDALS
SANDALS SC
Onsite Review: Sun, Slides & Smiles: Family Fun at Sunscape Coco Punta Cana
Europe & Asia: 3 Ultimate Getaways
TTC Tour Brands SC
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