Step Up is an internship programme by the Travel Media Awards driving diversity and inclusion in travel media for young people. The scheme — launched in 2023 — has expanded to offer an eight week paid internship in London in the summer of 2026 for successful candidates. Each successful candidate will win placements for two complementary partner companies (in media/journalism and marketing/PR) for four weeks each and receive six monthly mentoring sessions upon completion of the internship. All successful interns will also receive a complimentary ticket to the Travel Media Awards in London in autumn 2026.

What is TMA Step Up?

Step Up is an internship programme by the Travel Media Awards driving diversity and inclusion in travel media for young people. The scheme — which started last year — offers an eight-week paid internship in London in the summer of 2026 for five successful candidates. The interns will work at two of our partner companies for a month each and receive six mentoring sessions (once a month online) upon completion of this. The interns will also receive a complimentary ticket to the Travel Media Awards in London in autumn 2026.

How do I apply to Step Up?

Applicants can submit their application via this link up until 23:59 on Monday 26 January 2026. The application calls for:

• A CV
• Three questions including:
• A travel-based question
• A creative response
• A topical news question

Each answer must be between 150-200 words.

How long is the application process?

• 26 January 2026 — Applications close.
• March 2026 — Shortlisted candidates asked to provide a video and invited to interview. Candidates must be available in the final full week of March for an in-person interview in London.
• June-August2026 — Placements begin and are completed no later than the end of August 2026.

How long is the internship and when will it take place?

The internship duration is eight weeks, taking place in summer 2026 (across June, July and August). Interns will spend four weeks with one company followed by four weeks with another.

Am I eligible to apply?

Yes, if you’re aged 18-30, are a UK resident or have the right to work in the UK and can demonstrate a passion for travel media. The Travel Media Awards Step Up programme is for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, including people of colour, people with disabilities and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

Do I have to be a student or have prior work experience to apply?

No, the scheme is open to anyone who has an interest in the industry and fulfils our eligibility criteria.

Is the internship paid?

Yes, you’ll be paid London Living Wage for your work for the duration of the internship.

What companies will I intern at?

Successful candidates will spend four weeks learning about PR and communications, and a further four weeks learning about journalism and publishing. The partner companies are below:

• APL Media & easyJet Holidays
• TTG Media & Virgin Atlantic
• The Sun & FINN Partners
• Metro & Kuoni
• Intrepid Travel

Where will I be working?

Most of the internships are London-based with mandatory office attendance. Please see our list of locations below and on the partners page of the website. Some internships may offer some work-from-home days at their own discretion.

London-based: APL Media (Kentish Town), FINN Partners (Old Street), TTG Media (Southwark), Intrepid Travel (Brixton), Metro (Kensington), The Sun (London Bridge).

Virgin Atlantic is based in Crawley; Kuoni is based in Dorking, Surrey; and easyJet Holidays is based in Luton.

What does the mentoring entail?

Interns will receive six Zoom mentoring sessions (one per month) after the internship concludes. These will be conducted by an industry professional to assist with each intern’s career trajectory.

What does the selection process involve?

Candidates will be shortlisted by the TMA Step Up internship team and finalists will be invited for interviews with a judging panel made up of senior staff from the partner companies. Five candidates will be selected for internships and informed no later than April 2026.

What if I don’t live in London?

Interns are required to commute to the place of work and/or source their own accommodation. Please note, partner companies can assist successful applicants with securing accommodation at their own discretion.

Will the internship include holiday/paid leave?

The TMA Step Up scheme doesn’t offer holiday or paid leave during the placements. The eight weeks of work experience must be undertaken in summer 2026 — and completed by the end of August 2026.

Can I use artificial intelligence (AI) for my application?

Use of AI for any aspect of the application process is strictly prohibited. The TMA Step Up team will be checking for use of artificial intelligence and entries that rely on its use will not progress.

Can you accommodate access arrangements?

The TMA Step Up scheme is an inclusive scheme and can support individuals who require access arrangements. Please contact the TMA Step Up team via email at [email protected] with any queries regarding this at any stage of the application process.