Kinza is a recent sociology graduate from the University of Bristol. During her degree, she spent a year in Singapore, which was the highlight of her studies, as she developed her appreciation for travel media. “I’m excited to gain hands-on experience in travel journalism and PR, and work alongside an established group of professionals,” says Kinza. “TMA Step Up will provide me with invaluable exposure to travel journalism and PR, leading to an exciting career in travel media.” During the scheme, she’ll be working with APL Media — publisher of National Geographic Traveller (UK) — as well as gaining hands-on insight into travel PR with the award-winning team at FINN Partners. aplmedia.co.uk finnpartners.com

A PPA-trained magazine journalist, Sophie has already established her own Substack newsletter, The Welsh Adventure, as well as work experience at Cedar Communications and The Simple Things. She won the FIPP Awards’ Best New Media Business award 2025 for her master's degree enterprise project and was the Journalism Travel award winner for The Worshipful Livery Company of Wales in 2024. “I’ve always known I wanted to work in travel media, but I don’t yet know what role I’d most like to fill within the industry,” Sophie says. “I hope that I can narrow this down with the TMA Step Up internship, as well as refine my journalistic skill set.” ttgmedia.com intrepidtravel.com

Daniella is a journalism student from a small town in Essex, who has Mauritian and Pakistani roots. She’s recently come to the end of her extended diploma in journalism and is now pursuing her passion for travel journalism. “TMA Step Up is my first role in the travel industry, which fills me with excitement,” she explains. Over the eight weeks. Daniella will work with the editorial team at Ink Global, as well as learning about PR from the communications experts at Kuoni. “I anticipate not only gaining a comprehensive understanding of the roles and responsibilities within esteemed companies, but also soaking up the experience of the professionals surrounding me.” ink-global.com kuoni.co.uk

Lillie-Rose is currently an undergraduate English student at University College London, where she’s gained experience as a multimedia journalist and is the co-editor-in-chief of UnCL magazine. In her spare time, she presents for Pi Media’s PiTV platform and hosts a radio show at Rare FM. “The TMA Step Up internship gives me the opportunity to break into the exciting world of travel media,” she says. “I’m looking forward to stepping outside of my comfort zone and developing my editorial, public relations and marketing skills, and building the foundations of a successful media career.” Lillie-Rose travelled abroad for the first time in her life last year, to Antiparos in Greece. This experience was transformative for her, and she looks forward to returning in the future. metro.co.uk easyjet.com/holidays

As well as working as an aviation reporter at Travel Radar, Jenna is also finishing her English Literature degree this month. She’s a lover of city breaks, her favourites so far being Reykjavík, Seville and Paris, and is savvy with digital marketing and social media. “I always make the most of creative opportunities, turning a part-time job at an aquarium into leading their social media!” Jenna, who will spend four weeks at The Sun followed by four weeks at Virgin Atlantic, is most excited to learn from and network with industry professionals. “Attending the Travel Media Awards makes the TMA Step Up scheme even more exciting, enabling me to continue developing my skills and build meaningful connections.” thesun.co.uk virginatlantic.com