The Travel Media Step Up scheme is pleased to share all five of this year’s interns have commenced their journalism and PR placements. The internship — which drives diversity and inclusion in the travel media industry for young people from underrepresented backgrounds — has expanded greatly in its second year, with the five interns working with 10 of the industry’s leading organisations: APL Media, easyJet holidays, FINN Partners, Ink Global, Intrepid Travel, Kuoni, Metro, The Sun, TTG Media and Virgin Atlantic.

Here's what the interns — Daniella, Kinza, Jenna, Lillie-Rose and Sophie — have been working on since their placements kicked off earlier this month:

Daniella Dhorasoo — Kuoni

At the halfway point of her placement at Kuoni, Daniella has had a variety of experiences across the company, from supporting the marketing team, to attending Kuoni’s summer party and Africa Roadshow — where she heard from suppliers across the continent and tasted a variety of regional dishes. “It’s been such an amazing journey so far!” says Daniella. “I’m truly enjoying my time with this wonderful company and don’t want this experience to end.”

Kinza Chaudry — FINN Partners

Supporting the PR and digital teams at FINN, Kinza has had an exciting start to the TMA Step Up internship, including attending SXSW in London for a panel discussion hosted by Intrepid Travel and familiarising herself with FINN’s extensive client list. Kinza says: “From day one, the team at FINN trusted me to write press releases, host client events and build meaningful relationships within the industry. It’s been an incredible start to my journey in travel PR and communications.”

Jenna Stevens — The Sun

Jenna’s been working with the Travel team at The Sun, including its head of travel, Lisa Minot. She’s already been out of the office testing out a new experience on behalf of the team and working on writing assignments of her own. I'm grateful to have been trusted with creating written and video content and being sent to press events to represent The Sun’s travel section as a reporter," says Jenna. “Being able to dive in headfirst to the world of travel journalism with Step Up has been the best industry experience I could have hoped for.”

Lillie-Rose Lenga-Kroma — Metro

Lillie-Rose, who commenced her placement last week, has stepped into the world of Metro’s digital travel team, producing scripted video for the Metro Travel TikTok page, collaborating with the commercial and video teams, as well as researching upcoming travel content for the publication’s titles. "I've felt incredibly supported and welcomed by the teams here,” Lillie-Rose says. “It's been invaluable learning the behind-the-scenes of the newsroom and the video team.”

Sophie Colson — TTG Media

It’s been a packed few weeks for Sophie Colson, who’s done everything from attend the Inclusive Travel Forum at the Spanish Tourist Office with TTG Media’s Sophie Griffiths (editor and chief purpose officer) and Emma Dooney (luxury travel reporter); produced her first few articles for the publication; and supported the news and features desks. “I’ve had such a brilliant time with TTG so far and I’m so looking forward to the rest of my time here” says Sophie.

Upon completion of their placements, the TMA Step Up interns will also receive six months of mentoring from an experienced industry professional, as well as a ticket to the coveted Travel Media Awards at the Pan Pacific London hotel on 13 October. Follow the TMA Step Up interns' journeys on Instagram and LinkedIn.