Family Bonds Foundation’s mission is to assist travel industry colleagues in need

IRVING, TX (November 11, 2024) – World Kindness Day on November 13 reminds us to make kindness the norm. In the close-knit travel industry, we’re united not only by creating memorable experiences but by supporting each other with compassion and resilience, especially through challenging times.

At Internova Travel Group, one of the world’s largest travel services companies, partners, colleagues and communities are like family, always ready to support each other. Founded in 2015, Internova’s Family Bonds Foundation provides essential grants to industry colleagues facing hardships, from medical bills to natural disasters, ensuring no one faces tough times alone.

Today, the Foundation continues to grow, driven by the incredible support from the entire industry, with more and more travel partners stepping up to help make a difference helping to expand the Foundation’s reach and impact. The list of corporate sponsors includes Nexion Travel Group, Travel Leaders Network, Signature Travel Network, Globus family of brands, Pavlus Travel, Outside Agents and Unique Vacations to name a few.

“The generosity we’ve seen within our industry is truly inspiring, and I am proud of the difference we’ve made for those in need,” said Jackie Friedman, Family Bonds Foundation President and President of Nexion Travel Group, part of Internova Travel Group. She oversees the Foundation’s Board of Directors and provides strategic direction. “In celebrating World Kindness Day, we acknowledge there’s always more we can do. I am confident our travel advisor members and supplier partners will continue to rise to the occasion, providing even greater support.”

Annually, Internova Travel Group gathers nominations from its network of advisors, preferred partners, as well as supplier partners across the industry, regardless of affiliation. The Foundation Board, made up of travel industry leaders, agency owners and supplier partner and Internova Travel Group executives, reviews the nominations and awards grants. So far, more than 250 grants have been distributed to travel advisors, supplier partners and their local communities.

“I am fortunate to have been on the Family Bonds Foundation Board from the start,” said Scott Nisbet President & CEO of Globus family of brands. “Over the years, I have seen the great need in our community, the real impact of these grants and the ripple of kindness they create. I am grateful for the increasing generosity in recent years, enabling the foundation to help so many more travel advisors and others throughout our industry.”

On a global scale, the Family Bonds Foundation plays a crucial role in supporting individuals facing unforeseen circumstances and natural disasters. In recent years, the Foundation has raised funds for significant causes, including partnering with the Global Empowerment Mission to support Ukraine relief efforts and collaborating with The Sandals Foundation to raise funds for families impacted by Hurricane Beryl. The Foundation donated to Direct Relief to help those impacted by the wildfires in Maui and most recently Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

“Family Bonds is such an important part of our amazing industry as it’s a very kind way to take care of our own when unfortunate things happen,” said Dondra Ritzenthaler, ECC & CEO of Azamara Cruises and Family Bond Foundation Board member. “We are blessed that so many people give so we can help others in need. Just one more reason this business is the best!”

Everyone in the travel industry is encouraged to help the Foundation identify potential recipients. The next deadline for nominations is January 15. To nominate someone or to make a donation, go to familybondsfoundation.com.

About Internova Travel Group

Internova Travel Group is one of the largest travel services companies in the world with a collection of leading brands delivering high-touch, personal travel expertise to leisure and corporate clients. Internova manages leisure, business and franchise firms through a portfolio of distinctive divisions. Internova represents more than 100,000 travel advisors in over 6,000 company-owned and affiliated locations predominantly in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, with a presence in more than 80 countries.

To view the World Kindness Day video, please click here.