Interviews for the 2026 TMA Step Up programme took place last week, marking a key stage in the selection process for this year’s internship. Following a highly competitive application process, a select group of applicants progressed to this phase. 

The interview process gave candidates the opportunity to expand on their applications, share their ideas and demonstrate their potential to build a career in travel media in a more personal setting. 

Maria Pieri, editorial director and COO, said: “It was a privilege to meet the candidates — hearing what motivates them, how social media shapes the way they consume news and how they already perceive the travel media landscape. Their enthusiasm, ideas and thoughtful questions really stood out. Thank you to everyone who took the time to come in and meet with our partner organisations.”  

TMA Step Up is supported by nine industry-leading partners: APL Media, easyJet holidays, FINN Partners, Intrepid Travel, Kuoni, Metro, TTG Media, The Sun and Virgin Atlantic. Over the course of the week, the judging panel — made up of leading professionals from these top travel publishing, PR and marketing businesses — will meet candidates and assess their skills, creativity and approach to problem-solving.  

Looking ahead 

The panel will soon begin the process of selecting the five candidates who will form the 2026 Step Up cohort. 

Those selected will go on to complete an eight-week internship paid at the London Living Wage. They will work with two partner organisations and gain hands-on experience in editorial, PR and marketing. Beyond the placements, interns will benefit from mentoring, networking opportunities and continued support as they take their first steps into the travel media industry. 

The successful candidates will be announced on 20 April, ahead of the programme commencing on 8 June. 

The TMA Step Up programme remains committed to supporting talent and creating meaningful pathways into travel media for those who may not otherwise have access. 

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About APL Media     
APL Media is a multi-award-winning content marketing agency and publisher, producing 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, supported by brand extensions including guides, events and digital platforms. The portfolio also features Living360, a digital lifestyle brand covering wellness, travel, food, sustainability and culture, distributed via national media and its own platform. APL Media delivers custom content, branded campaigns, editorial consultancy, internship schemes including TMA Step Up and leading events such as the Travel Media Awards. Its trade titles include Postcards and the ASTA Worldwide Destination Guide, with content also produced for national newspapers.     
aplmedia.co.uk