The IKFT Tiers
of Excellence
A transparent, independent roadmap that guides 3★, 4★ and 5★ hotels toward sustained excellence in family hospitality. The system defines a clear progression from public recognition to optional onsite evaluation, built on transparency, observation, and verifiable evidence. Each tier reflects what families genuinely experience and helps hotel leaders understand both their facilities and the human quality their teams deliver.
International Kids Friendly Travel Tiers
How our recognitions, assessed reviews and verified IKFT audits work
Many managers rarely see how staff interactions truly affect families or whether guest reviews reflect day to day reality. IKFT tiers bridge that gap by offering an independent, experience based view of family hospitality within each property. Our reports help leaders identify genuine talent, highlight teams that perform well with families, and support fair recognition and development grounded in observable behavior.
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Online reviews alone rarely show what is truly happening. IKFT evaluations reveal the human aspect of service the warmth, patience, and interactions families actually experience. These insights help management understand staff impact and recognize those who genuinely excel with families.
IKFT Recognized
Foundational Recognition.
This is IKFT’s independent evaluation based on analysis of public data. Recognized™ status is granted according to verified evidence available at the time of review and serves as an impartial benchmark for family suitability within the hospitality sector. It covers seven core Kidspecs™ and requires a minimum score to reach the Bronze IKFT Recognized™ level.
Unsolicited & Remote
accessible only to 3, 4 and 5 stars hotels / resorts
Foundational Recognition ​
From Bronze to Gold
IKFT Recognized Badges
Max Badge Type
IKFT Recognized Platinum
Platinum Level after 2 consecutive years in Gold level IKFT Recognized
8 Major Kidspecs
Minimum 5 Major Kidspecs
Based on the class of the hotel
Recognition is independent and Free of charge
IKFT Recognized badges are issued only to hotels that meet the entry level requirements.
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Badge type depending the points.
IKFT Recognized™ status remains current until the next IKFT Edition (renewed each May). An annual evidence review is performed to confirm continuing eligibility.
IKFT Assessed
The Path to Validation.
This is IKFT’s structured remote or hybrid review a rigorous validation process, not a commercial upgrade. The outcome depends solely on verified evidence reviewed across more than 100 IKFT Kidspecs™ indicators and may result in an upgrade, no change, or a downgrade if new data differ from previous findings. Our commitment is to accuracy and independence.
Cooperative & Hybrid
Only for IKFT Recognized Hotels / Resorts
Evidence Validation & Report
From Bronze to Gold
IKFT Recognized Badges
Max Badge Type
IKFT Recognized Platinum
Platinum Level after 2 consecutive years in Gold level IKFT Recognized
10 Major Kidspecs
+ over 100 kidspecs
Minimum 50 kidspecs
Based on the hotel class
A service fee applies for the assessment; results remain fully independent.
Assessment results may confirm, upgrade, or downgrade an existing IKFT Recognized™ badge.
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Badge type depending the points
IKFT Recognized™ results may confirm, upgrade, or downgrade a Recognized level based on new verified evidence. Reviews are repeated within each
annual IKFT Edition
(renewed each May).
IKFT Verified
The Ultimate Proof of Excellence. Our flagship onsite review conducted anonymously against 250 + practical Kidspecs™ criteria relevant to family suitability. Passing is not guaranteed; for those meeting the required standard, Verified™ represents IKFT’s highest independent confirmation at the time of review. Earning "IKFT Verified" status represents the highest level of IKFT’s independent confirmation at the time of review.​
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Anonymous & On-Site
Only for IKFT Recognized Hotels / Resorts
Audited IKFT Verified Badge
From Bronze to Gold
IKFT Verified Badges
Max Badge Type
IKFT VERIFIED Platinum
Platinum Level after 2 consecutive years in Gold level IKFT VERIFIED
10 Major Kidspecs
+ over 250 IKFT kidspecs
Minimum 100 kidspecs
Based on the hotel class
A service fee applies for the assessment; results remain fully independent.
The IKFT Verified™ badge is granted to hotels that reach or exceed the minimum Kidspecs™ score for Bronze entry level.
Badge type depending the points
IKFT Verified™ status remains current until the next IKFT Edition (renewed each May). An annual onsite only verification may confirms continuing compliance.
Below are examples of how recognition levels apply within each hotel class.
All recognitions are independent evaluations based on the information available at the time of the review.
No Guarantees of personal experience.
The IKFT Badge Matrix
24 recognitions across all hotel levels
12 Badges - IKFT Recognized™
12 Badges - IKFT Verified™
Above are examples of how recognition levels apply within each hotel class.
OUR COMMITMENT TO OBJECTIVITY
How We Ensure Fairness
IKFT applies an Evidence First policy; recognitions rely solely on verified data and independent judgement.
Key safeguards:
• Separate teams manage public recognitions and commercial reviews.
• Hotels may submit a free Public Appeal to correct data.
• Scoring is scaled by star class (3★/4★/5★).
• A Verification Committee reviews complex cases.
• All reviewers sign conflict of interest and anti bribery declarations.
THE PLATINUM RULE
& GOLD STANDARD PATHWAY
The Platinum badge is awarded only to hotels that maintain Gold status for two consecutive years, showing sustained excellence.
Gold Recognized™ hotels may be invited to an IKFT Verified™ onsite audit at a preferred partner rate: a benefit earned through consistent performance, not a guarantee of outcome.
How We Ensure Fairness
Evidence First Policy - NO Purchase Guarantee
A service fee applies for Assessed or Verified reviews; results depend solely on verified evidence and committee evaluation. Payment does not affect outcomes.
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Anti-bribery & COI
IKFT prohibits any inducement or advantage that could influence, or appear to influence, results. Auditors and committee members declare all conflicts of interest. Attempts to influence outcomes lead to exclusion from IKFT programs.
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Appeals
If you disagree with a recognition outcome, you may submit evidence through the free Public Appeals Process (available only for IKFT Recognized level). Formal procedural appeals may carry an administrative fee.
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If your Hotel is not in listed in IKFT Recognized
You may contact us and check if it was checked and did not pass, or if it will be checked free of charge.
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Want to see if your hotel could receive the IKFT Recognized™ badge?
Our initial online checks are 100% free, NO costs and NO hidden fees. Contact us!
Questions? Contact Us or Visit FAQ B2B page
Did you do the utmost for your little guests & the un-little ones who travel with them?
Prove it!
IKFT provides independent evaluation and advisory services under written agreement.
Verified recognition requires an onsite audit. Hybrid remote reviews apply only to Recognized level.
IKFT does not perform licensed medical, legal, or engineering services.
Badge Policy (Summary – 1st Edition)
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IKFT Recognized™ and IKFT Verified™ badges represent independent recognitions for 3★, 4★ and 5★ hotels under the IKFT Kids First model. Each badge reflects the information verified at the time of assessment.
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IKFT Recognized: Independent evaluation based on verifiable public information. Optional Hybrid Audit service available for deeper assessment. When an audit is performed, a *Prove It* summary is published.
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IKFT Verified: Available only to hotels already Recognized. Requires an onsite audit; includes a public *Prove It* summary.
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Edition validity: Part of the May Edition each year; valid until the next edition.
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Levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold. Platinum awarded after two consecutive Gold years within the same level.
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Scope note: IKFT awards express independent evaluations at the time of review and are not guarantees of personal experience or safety. They promote inclusion, awareness and responsibility in family travel.
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Integrity Statement
All IKFT reviewers and auditors operate under strict independence and anti-bribery policies. Any attempt to influence outcomes results in immediate exclusion from IKFT programm. Staff and committee members disclose any potential conflicts of interest before each review.
Beyond IKFT Audits: Strategic Partnerships!
We are searching partners in the Markets we operate that offers Products or Services for Kids.
Do you produce goods or offer services for kids? Contact Us!
International Kids friendly Travel is seeking partners in every IKFT markets to connect hotels with trusted industry suppliers offering products or services designed for children and families.
If you create or provide kid high quality focused solutions from amenities and play equipment to inclusive service concepts we invite you to contact us.
Together, we aim to create added value for hotels while promoting innovation that benefits families.
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Partnership listings are provided for information only and do not constitute endorsement or approval by IKFT.
B2B FAQ
Does an IKFT Assessed audit guarantee a badge upgrade?
No. The outcome is based purely on the evidence. A badge level can be upgraded, remain the same, or be downgraded if the assessment reveals that public data was inaccurate.
Yes. If you believe our public data analysis is factually incorrect, we encourage you to use our free Public Appeals Process to submit correcting evidence.
Can I correct a "Recognized" rating without paying?
Does paying for an IKFT Verified audit guarantee we will pass?
No. Earning the "IKFT Verified" credential is based entirely on meeting the required standard during the independent, in person audit, with a minimal of points from the Kidspecs. To access IKFT verified you need to be IKFT Recognized first.
Why offer a preferred rate for Gold hotels?
It is a prize for the IKFT Recognized Gold Awards. The "Gold Standard Pathway" is a benefit that rewards a proven excellence. It is an earned privilege for demonstrated kids friendly attitude, apart next level following the Gold, since Platinum is reserved to the constancy.
What is the difference between "IKFT Recognized" and "IKFT Verified"?
"Recognized" reflects IKFT’s independent opinion based on publicly available information. "Verified" represents our conclusion following an onsite review of more than 250 proprietary Kidspecs™ indicators conducted by IKFT professionals.
What if my hotel fails an "IKFT Verified" audit?
Our approach prioritizes improvement over evaluation outcome. A hotel that does not reach the minimum Bronze level simply receives a confidential advisory report rather than a public rating. Instead, you receive a confidential report and a prioritized action plan to help you improve. You can then schedule a re audit when you are ready. While you still can be proud of your IKFT Recognized Award.
How often are the awards updated?
Our ratings both in IKFT Recognized and IKFT Verified, are reviewed annually to ensure they are current. We also continuously monitor new guest feedback and will conduct interim reviews if we see evidence that a property's standards have significantly changed.