Charitable initiative to help those in need in the travel industry has distributed more than 250 grants since its founding in 2015
NEW YORK, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As the world celebrates Global Travel Advisor Day, Internova Travel Group is also marking a major milestone: the 10th anniversary of Family Bonds Foundation, its nonprofit initiative dedicated to supporting travel professionals and their families through life's toughest challenges.
Since its founding in 2015, the Foundation has provided more than 250 emergency grants to individuals across the U.S. affected by illness, job loss, natural disasters and other unexpected hardships. These grants have helped advisors rebuild their lives, often after devastating personal losses.
"This day is about honoring the dedication of travel advisors around the world," said J.D. O'Hara, CEO of Internova Travel Group, one of the world's largest travel services companies representing more than 100,000 travel advisors. "But it's also a powerful reminder of our responsibility to stand by the people who make travel possible when they need us most."
In 2024 alone, Family Bonds Foundation raised a record-breaking $650,000, thanks to Internova's advisor network and the incredible generosity of supplier partners. Globus family of brands, Outside Agents, Pavlus Travel and Signature Travel Network served as Diamond sponsors, while Allianz Partners and AmaWaterways have already signed on as Diamond Plus donors in 2025, each committed to contributing at least $100,000 this year.
To mark its 10-year anniversary and build on this momentum, Internova has set its most ambitious fundraising goal yet—$800,000 in 2025—with major fundraising events planned at two flagship conferences: Travel Leaders Network's EDGE Conference, June 9-12 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, and Nexion's CoNexion Conference, Sept. 8-10 at the Universal Orlando Resort. Both events will feature public silent auctions and raffles with travel prizes including cruises, luxury stays and premium flights. Bidding opens online one week before each event.
"This foundation is not just for our company, it's for the entire travel advisor community," said Jackie Friedman, President of Family Bonds Foundation and of Nexion Travel Group, a premium host agency within Internova Travel Group. "We encourage all travel agencies and networks to join us in supporting the people who make this industry so special. Together, we can make an even bigger impact."
The Foundation accepts nominations year-round, and anyone in the travel industry can nominate a U.S. colleague in need. The next nomination deadline is July 15, with recipients notified by August 1. This year, the Foundation aims to award more than 100 grants.
For more information on how to become a corporate donor, or to nominate someone or make a donation, visit www.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.
CONTACT:
Elizabeth Gaerlan
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1-212-944-1125
SOURCE Internova Travel Group
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