Phoenix, August 5, 2025
News Summary
Phoenix has been honored as the top family-friendly domestic destination in the latest Wherever Awards, highlighting its suitability for family travel. This recognition reiterates Phoenix’s commitment to providing enriching experiences for families. The awards also acknowledged various travel providers for their innovations in family-oriented services, including airlines, hotels, and resorts. With numerous family-centric offerings, Phoenix stands out in the travel industry, ensuring safe and enjoyable experiences for families visiting the city.
Phoenix Named Best Family-Friendly Domestic Destination in WhereverFamily’s 2025 Wherever Awards
Phoenix has been recognized as the best family-friendly domestic destination in the 2025 Wherever Awards, announced by Experience AZ WhereverFamily. This marks the eighth consecutive year for these awards, which honor various travel providers and innovators in the family travel sector.
WhereverFamily, a part of FXExpress Publications, Inc., specializes in travel content focused on family travelers, covering a range of topics from luxury to budget-friendly travel. The awards aim to celebrate the best family travel options available, ensuring families have access to safe, enjoyable, and enriching travel experiences.
The awards comprise multiple categories, with significant emphasis placed on family-friendly service innovations. Alaska Airlines was recognized as the Family Innovator of the Year for Airlines, having implemented a policy that allows children under 13 to travel with accompanying adults at no additional charge. This initiative has been praised for making air travel more accessible for families.
Other notable winners include Great Wolf Lodge, awarded Family Innovator of the Year for Hotels, which operates numerous locations throughout North America offering family-oriented amenities. Beaches Resorts received the Family Innovator of the Year for Resorts title, having completed autism certification and training, thus enhancing the travel experience for families with special needs.
Hertz took home the Family Innovator of the Year for Rental Car with its focus on family safety, including the provision of child safety seats. The award for Travel Provider went to MSC Cruises for debuting North America’s largest cruise terminal, while Ocean City, New Jersey, was recognized as Family Innovator of the Year for Destination, featuring a wealth of family-friendly activities.
Furthermore, Norwegian Cruise Line was honored as Family Innovator of the Year for Cruise Line, notable for the launch of its 20th ship, enhancing its offerings for family vacations on the water.
Reader votes for the awards were collected from September 20, 2024, to May 16, 2025. Winners will be celebrated at an awards ceremony on August 19, 2025, at Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, bringing together leaders in family travel to discuss innovations and future trends in the industry.
About the Wherever Awards
The Wherever Awards represent a vital platform for recognizing advancements in family travel. Launched to provide families with reliable recommendations, the awards cover various categories that reflect the evolving needs and demands of family travelers. Each year, they highlight the companies and services that excel in making travel an enjoyable experience for families across diverse destinations.
Conclusion
Phoenix’s designation as the best family-friendly domestic destination underscores its commitment to providing enriching experiences tailored to families. With advancements in the travel industry continually emerging, the 2025 Wherever Awards play an important role in guiding families to the best travel options available.
FAQ
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Key Features Overview
| Category | Winner | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Best Family-Friendly Domestic Destination | Phoenix | Recognized for family-centric offerings. |
| Family Innovator of the Year (Airlines) | Alaska Airlines | No extra charge for children under 13 with adults. |
| Family Innovator of the Year (Hotels) | Great Wolf Lodge | Family-oriented amenities across North America. |
| Family Innovator of the Year (Resorts) | Beaches Resorts | Completed autism certification and training. |
| Family Innovator of the Year (Rental Car) | Hertz | Focus on family safety with child safety seats. |
| Family Innovator of the Year (Travel Provider) | MSC Cruises | Opened North America’s largest cruise terminal. |
| Family Innovator of the Year (Destination) | Ocean City, NJ | Offers family-friendly activities. |
| Family Innovator of the Year (Cruise Line) | Norwegian Cruise Line | Launched its 20th ship. |
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Additional Resources
- AZ Big Media: Phoenix Named Best Family-Friendly Domestic Destination
- AZ Family: Phoenix Family Fights Insurance Over Travel Coverage
- Mommy Poppins: 25 Fun Things to Do With Kids in the Phoenix Area
- Tinybeans: Things to Do in Phoenix with Kids in the Summer
- Google Search: Family Travel Destinations 2025
