The IKFT Tiers
of Excellence
A transparent, independent roadmap guiding hotels toward lasting excellence in family hospitality. Designed for 3★, 4★ 5★ properties, The system outlines a step by step progression, from public recognition to optional onsite evaluation built on transparency, human observation, and verifiable evidence. Each tier reflects what families genuinely experience, helping hotel leaders understand not only their facilities but the human quality their teams deliver.
International Kids Friendly Travel Tiers
How our recognitions, assessed reviews and verified IKFT audits work
Many managers never manage to see truly see how their staff interactions affect families or whether guest reviews reflect reality. IKFT’s tiers help bridge that gap by offering an independent, experience based perspective on family hospitality within each property. Our reports aim to help leaders identify genuine talent, highlight teams that perform well with families, and support fair recognition and development based on observable behavior.
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Online reviews alone rarely tell management what is really happening. IKFT evaluations reveal the human aspect of service the warmth, patience, and interaction families actually experience. These insights help directors understand staff impact and reward those who genuinely excel with families.
IKFT Recognized
Foundational Recognition.
This is our independent, unsolicited evaluation based on our analysis of public data. Recognized" status is granted based on available evidence and cannot be purchased It serves as an independent benchmark for family suitability within the hospitality sector. 7 Main Kidspecs and a minimun points to achieve the start Bronze Level of IKFT Recognized Badges.
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
No Cost
IKFT Recognized Badges awarded only for who pass the entry level requirements
Badge type depending the points.
IKFT Recognized remain current until the next IKFT Edition (renewed each May); annual online verification is required to maintain status.
IKFT Assessed
The Path to Validation.
This is our structured remote and hybrid review. It is a rigorous validation process, not an upgrade purchase. The outcome depends solely on the evidence reviewed across more than 100 Kidspecs™ indicators and may lead to an upgrade, no change, or a downgrade if updated public data no longer meet previous findings. Our commitment is to accuracy.
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
​Paid Service
IKFT Recognized Badges Possible Upgrade type
(Or same level or Downgraded)
Badge type depending the points
IKFT Recognized remain current until the next IKFT Edition (renewed each May); annual online verification is required to maintain status.
IKFT Verified
The Ultimate Proof of Excellence. Our flagship service. An anonymous, in person onsite IKFT review that checks more than 250 practical Kidspecs™ criteria relevant to family suitability. Passing is not guaranteed, but for those who meet the standard, it is the definitive proof of on the ground excellence. Minimum 100 Kidspecs for the Bronze level. Earning "IKFT Verified" status represents the highest level of IKFT’s independent confirmation at the time of review.
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
Paid Service
IKFT Verified Badge Earned
if pass minimum points for Bronze entry level​
Badge type depending the points
IKFT Verified remain current until the next IKFT Edition (renewed each May); annual Onsite Verification is required to maintain status.
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 Our proprietary evaluation model is built on principles of objectivity. To ensure fairness, our Public Recognition analysts operate with complete independence from our commercial assessment teams.
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Furthermore, any travel provider who believes their public data has been misinterpreted has access to our Public Appeals Process to submit correcting evidence at no cost. The first resort for a hotel with a potential data discrepancy is a free appeal, not a paid service.
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Key safeguards we use:
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Separate teams handle public recognition and commercial IKFT audits.
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Hotels can file a free Public Appeal free to correct data.
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Scoring is scaled by hotel class and location (3★/4★/5★).
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Independent Verification Committee reviews critical cases.
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All IKFT reviewers and auditors sign conflict of interest declarations and rotate assignments to maintain independence.
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Very Strict anti bribery and ethics policies govern every review.
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THE PLATINUM RULE
& GOLD STANDARD PATHWAY
The Platinum badge is our most exclusive honor. It is awarded only to properties that have successfully maintained a Gold status for two consecutive years, demonstrating a sustained and unwavering commitment to the highest standards. This applies to both Badge Categories, IKFT Recognized and IKFT Verified.
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The Gold Standard Pathway Properties that achieve Gold Recognized status are extended an invitation to our flagship IKFT Verified onsite audit at a preferred partner rate. This is not a shortcut, but a benefit earned through proven, excellence.
How We Ensure Fairness
Evidence First Policy - NO Purchase Guarantee
Payment for an IKFT Assessed or Verified review covers the audit process only; it cannot influence results. All decisions depend solely on verified evidence and committee review.
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Anti-bribery & COI
IKFT strictly prohibits any inducements, gifts, donations, or advantages that could influence, or appear to influence, verification outcomes. IKFT Auditors and Committee members must declare conflicts of interest. Any attempt to influence verification results may result in immediate exclusion from all IKFT programs.
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Appeals
If you disagree with a recognition outcome in the IKFT Recognized, contact us & submit evidence through our Public Appeals Process (totally free). Formal appeals may incur a fee.
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If your Hotel is not in listed
You may contact us and check if it was checked and did not pass, or if it will be checked.
Questions? Contact Us or Visit FAQ B2B page
Badge Policy (Summary – 1st Edition)
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IKFT Recognized™ and IKFT Verified™ are independent recognitions for 3★, 4★ and 5★ hotels based on IKFT’s Kids First review model. Each award reflects information verified at the time of assessment.
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• Recognized: Independent review based on public and verifiable information.
• Optional Hybrid Audit service available for deeper assessment.
• When an audit is performed, a Prove It summary is published.
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• Verified: Available only to hotels already holding Recognized status.
• Requires an onsite audit (no hybrid option).
• Includes a public Prove It summary.
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• Edition validity: Part of the May Edition each year; valid until the next edition is released.
• Levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold. Platinum is awarded after two consecutive Gold years within the same level.
• Scope note: IKFT awards are not guarantees of personal experience or safety. They represent independent evaluations promoting inclusion, awareness, and responsibility in family travel.
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.