TRAVEL MEDIA AWARDS STEP UP SCHEME

Overview

The Travel Media Awards recognises the importance of cultivating and uplifting people from different backgrounds to strengthen the industry by better reflecting the diversity within the UK. To address this, Step Up was launched in 2023 to drive diversity and inclusion in travel media for young people.

Now in its third year, there are 10 leading travel organisations offering eight weeks of placements to successful candidates. The complete list of partners for 2026 are:

• Journalism partners: APL Media, Ink Global, Metro, The Sun and TTG Media
• PR partners: easyJet holidays, FINN Partners, Intrepid Travel, Kuoni and Virgin Atlantic

Please note, most placements are London-based, with three taking place outside of the capital. Virgin Atlantic is in Crawley, easyJet holidays is in Luton and Kuoni is in Dorking. Please check on the TMA Step Up website to confirm the exact working locations of each partner company. TMA Step Up Partners – 2026

Benefits of the scheme

Travel Media Awards Step Up interns also have the opportunity to receive a further six months of mentoring. Winners are also invited to the Travel Media Awards 2026, to continue their travel media journey, be that consumer, trade or PR.

The Step Up programme is open to anyone aged 18-30 who can demonstrate a passion for travel media and identifies as coming from an underrepresented demographic. Applicants must be residents of the UK.

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.

Any questions?

Please read our FAQs: TMA Step Up FAQs – 2026.

If you still have a question, please email [email protected]. Thank you!