FTFc Examines The State Of Family-Friendly Lodging
Marketers Court Kids With Specially Designed Hotel Rooms
INDIANAPOLIS, IN, July 20, 2005. FTFc, the consulting division of Family Travel Forum, Inc. has found that, as competition for the family travel market grows, more hotels are turning their attention to attracting younger consumers. In the special report, "Kids Dig Hotels Designed With Their Needs In Mind" FTFc examines the innovations in the hospitality industry that appeal to frequent traveling children.
"We're not just talking about SpongeBob welcome gifts," notes FTFc consultant Kyle McCarthy. "When you have an industry courting the 93 million Americans who travel with family (1), it takes real imagination to stand out from the crowd."
FTFc began their research into the state of family-friendly lodging by asking what today's parents and children want from a vacation. Travel agents said that for 95% of their family clients, the top two influencers in choosing a vacation destination were the variety of activities for different age groups, and the cost.(2) Children informally surveyed by FTFc most often cited swimming pools, in-room video game or entertainment systems, themed d'ecor, kid-themed restaurants, kid's clubs, and nearby attractions - such as amusement parks - as factors that make a hotel most appealing.
To evaluate how the hospitality industry is meeting clients' expectations, between February and June 2005, FTFc examined hundreds of "family-friendly" properties. FTFc found several with special "Family Rooms" or "kids' suites" designed specifically for children ages three to eight-years-old, then took a closer look at properties with at least three of the other attributes that kids said are especially appealing. These hotels, the product of ingenious marketers, are the success stories.
Learn what's special about them in this in-depth report. FTFc's analysis of ground-breaking North American chain and independent hotels, as well as international hotels stretching from London to Bali, reveal where family-friendly lodging is headed next.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
