Eight weeks, 10 placements and a wealth of new experience: the 2026 Travel Media Awards Step Up internship has completed another successful year, giving five emerging talents the opportunity to gain hands-on experience across the travel media industry. 

Each intern spent four weeks with two different partner organisations, working across editorial, journalism, PR, marketing and communications. Along the way, they’ve built portfolios, developed professional networks, grown in confidence and gained valuable insight into where a career in travel media could take them. 

And for some members of the cohort, that next step has already arrived: Ayse Avan has been offered a full-time position as digital and social executive at Kuoni and Dharshinee Krishna Naidu has secured a full-time position as an assistant account executive at FINN Partners, following their respective placements. 

The programme continues beyond the eight-week internship. Each participant can now access six months of mentoring from one of the professionals they worked with and will attend the Travel Media Awards 2026 at The Savoy in October — another opportunity to build connections with editors, writers, photographers, PR professionals, tourism boards and others from across the industry. 

What did the 2026 Step Up interns say about the scheme 

Ayse Avan interned at Food and Travel and Kuoni 

“I loved getting to see the behind-the-scenes of the publishing industry. I really feel like I contributed to the team’s day-to-day tasks and their support really helped me to keep improving my editorial skills and build a portfolio. Following my placements, I was pursuing a role at Kuoni and am pleased to announce that I have been offered the role of digital and social executive!”    

Nasreen Gordon interned at Intrepid Travel and Living360 

“I’ve learned so much from the editors and their feedback has really helped me grow as a writer. I feel much more confident in my abilities and I’m excited to use the skills I’ve acquired during this internship throughout my journalism career.” 

Dharshinee Krishna Naidu interned at FINN Partners and The Sun 

“The last eight weeks have shown me where my interests lie and the variety in this industry. I have developed a portfolio of my published pieces that I am really proud of, and I am continuing in a full-time position at FINN Partners as an assistant account executive. I’m so grateful for Step Up and how this scheme has truly changed my life for the better.”   

Applications for the 2027 TMA Step Up internship will open at the end of the year, offering another five talented individuals the opportunity to take part in the programme. 

For anyone considering applying, it’s crucial to stay connected. Subscribe to the TMA Step Up newsletter and follow TMA Step Up on social media for updates on the 2027 programme, including application dates and advice for prospective applicants. 

Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn 

https://travelmediaawards.com/travelmediaawards2026/en/page/step-up

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About APL Media 
APL Media is a multi-award-winning content marketing agency and publisher, creating high-quality print, digital and live media across the travel and lifestyle sectors since 1997. It has published National Geographic Traveller (UK) under licence from National Geographic Partners LLC since 2010, alongside brand extensions including guides, events and digital platforms. Its portfolio includes Living360, a digital lifestyle brand spanning wellness, travel, food, sustainability and culture.  

APL Media delivers custom content, branded campaigns and editorial consultancy, internship schemes including Step Up and produces leading events such as the Travel Media Awards. It is also a leading reseller of advertising for national newspapers. Its trade titles include Postcards and the ASTA Worldwide Destination Guide, with content also created for national newspapers. aplmedia.co.uk