Travel Media Awards Step Up internship
Internship Initiative
The brief
The Travel Media Awards sought to drive diversity and inclusion in the sector by creating an entry-level opportunity for talent from underrepresented backgrounds. The initiative aimed to help young people through work experience and mentoring to equip them with the skills necessary to pursue a career in travel media.
Our approach
In 2023, the Travel Media Awards launched the inaugural Step Up internship programme with FINN Partners, Intrepid Travel and TTG Media, opening applications for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds — including people of colour, people with disabilities and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds — who also have a strong interest in travel media.
The paid summer placements were designed to maximise the growth and inclusion of its protégés, working closely with the TMA Step Up scheme’s industry-leading partners to offer two four-week experiences followed by a further six months of mentoring sessions.
Each successful intern gains hands-on experience at two different companies, ensuring a broad insight into both travel journalism and public relations. Guided and supported by accomplished professionals in the field, interns receive engaging and educational tasks that have a meaningful impact on the company’s daily workflow, as well as supporting events hosted on behalf of key clients and stakeholders.
TMA Step Up interns are also invited to the annual Travel Media Awards ceremony to form lasting connections and continue their travel media journey.
Our results
Since its launch, the TMA Step Up initiative has been able to host seven enthusiastic and gifted individuals in total. With applications having increased by 260% over the course of two years, the scheme clearly satisfies a strong demand for entry-level opportunities into the travel media industry and is proving to be a coveted experience in the world of travel.
While the inaugural initiative comprised of four partners, these companies were joined by easyJet holidays, Ink Global, Kuoni, Metro, The Sun and Virgin Atlantic for the 2025 run of the scheme. This increase to 10 partners enabled the scheme to support five applicants, an increase from two the previous year, to complete eight-week placements. The expansion of the scheme exemplifies an eagerness from leading organisations within the travel media landscape to create further opportunity for fresh voices to thrive.
Step Up interns have gone on to secure jobs across the media industry — from magazine publishing to broadcast presenting — building on their experience with the TMA Step Up programme.
Applications for the 2026 TMA Step Up scheme will open in late 2025.
