Cross-Sector Strategies to Embed Kid-Friendly Priorities
Why Cross-Sector Collaboration Matters
Creating child-friendly environments cannot be the responsibility of one sector alone. Tourism planners, public health leaders, urban designers, educators, and hospitality professionals must collaborate to develop integrated experiences that support families.
- Each sector holds part of the solution—when aligned, they multiply impact.
- Shared priorities lead to stronger funding proposals, more inclusive programs, and lasting systems change.
Collaborative approaches ensure that families encounter support across all the spaces they move through—from public transit to parks to hotels.
Building Effective Partnerships
Successful cross-sector strategies rely on mutual goals, trust, and communication.
- Tourism and education can partner on family-friendly cultural programming.
- Health agencies can work with hospitality venues to create sensory-friendly spaces.
- City planning departments can consult with child development experts when zoning for parks or housing.
These partnerships often begin with small pilots or shared campaigns and expand as results are demonstrated.
Aligning Goals and Language
Cross-sector work requires shared definitions of “kid-friendliness.”
- Partners must agree on what values they’re promoting (e.g., safety, equity, accessibility, creativity).
- Language must be clear and inclusive so that each sector understands its role.
Creating joint charters, vision statements, or evaluation frameworks helps unify approaches and avoid fragmentation.
Certification and Recognition Programs
Structured systems—such as child-friendly destination certifications or family-welcoming business networks—help formalize cross-sector standards.
- They encourage accountability, consistency, and visibility.
- Examples include Family Tourism Destination programs, UNICEF’s Child Friendly Cities, or custom local badges for inclusive events.
These tools support public trust and create incentives for continuous improvement.
Summary Points
- Cross-sector collaboration enhances design, service delivery, and sustainability.
- Strong partnerships create holistic environments for families.
- Shared frameworks and recognition programs support alignment and consistency.
Discussion Questions
- What are the barriers to effective cross-sector collaboration in your community or region?
- How could tourism and education sectors work together to support child-friendly goals?
- What benefits might a family-focused certification program bring to a destination or network?