Our Mission
We research and recognize kid friendly travel, starting with Hotels & Resorts.
Our Mission
At International Kids Friendly Travel (IKFT®), we exist so that every trip can become a memory for a child, from babies and toddlers to teens, regardless of ability or family structure.
- • Help families choose child-appropriate travel with clarity and efficiency
- • Assist travel operators through independent recognitions
- • Offer IKFT Advisory Services for private consultancy
Our Vision
A world where family travel information is clearer, more consistent, and more inclusive, so families can compare options confidently across ages, needs, and hotel categories.
Kids first doesn't mean spoiling the children (that part is reserved for the parents), it's thoughtful design, practical service, and inclusive planning.
Three Guiding Principles
Kid First
Every decision starts with the child's wellbeing and delight.
Inclusive
We assess accessibility, multi generational needs and universal design.
Actionable
Our recognitions give operators clear signals about what kids value most helping to prioritize improvements.
Born from Experience
IKFT developed from decades of real-world family travel experience, not corporate planning.
Driven by Expertise
At International Kids Friendly Travel™ (IKFT®), our evaluations draw on a diverse international team of experts. This work forms the foundation of the IKFT Kidmetrix™ framework and our recognitions.
Why This Matters
Parents & families don't travel for checklists, they travel for moments: a first splash in a pool, a bedtime story in a welcoming room, a meal that's calm when a toddler is tired, a properly fitted stair gate, a friendly staff member who understands a child's pace...
Meet Our Team
Our true north is guided by the most demanding board in the world: the children themselves. Their needs set our agenda. Their comfort and joy are our key performance indicators.
Mr. Sterling Hawke
Chief Details Officer
Our team prefers and needs to stay behind the scenes letting our work speak for itself!
Mr. Portia Keyes
Director of Third Impressions
Our team prefers and needs to stay behind the scenes letting our work speak for itself!
Dr. Alma Weaver
Head of Comfort & Cuddles
Our team prefers and needs to stay behind the scenes letting our work speak for itself!
Our team is comprised of independent analysts, accessibility advisors, and editorial support across starting markets. IKFT operates independently from any hotel group.
Beyond Social Media
Social media complements but doesn't replace structured baselines. Multi-generational trips are growing in importance, and for parents, guardians, and grandparents, the difference between a trip of a lifetime and a trip of stress lies in the details.
For parents, guardians, and grandparents, the difference between a trip of a lifetime and a trip of stress lies in the details. IKFT provides a consistent, comparable baseline by hotel class, with time-stamped results.
Find the Right Stay for Your Family
Scan publicly available information to award IKFT Recognized™ status. Create a searchable directory for kid-friendly travel. Publish family travel insights and industry guidance. All evaluations are independent of commercial influence.
"Guided by the past, looking toward the future of family travel."
Learn About the IKFT Awards