Fourth year of partnership highlights Internova’s commitment to developing
the next generation of travel professionals
NEW YORK (April 27, 2026) – Internova Travel Group, one of the largest travel services companies, hosted the I AM C.U.L.T.U.R.E.D. Youth Travel & Career Summit today at its global headquarters in New York City, bringing together local high school students, travel industry leaders and partners for a day dedicated to career discovery and professional development.
The 2026 event marks the fourth year of Internova’s partnership with I AM C.U.L.T.U.R.E.D., a nonprofit organization devoted to empowering high school youth of color to become innovative global citizens through experiential learning, mentorship and cultural exploration. Through this ongoing collaboration, Internova has helped introduce hundreds of students to opportunities within the global travel industry.
“We believe the future of travel depends on bringing new voices, perspectives and ideas into the industry,” said J.D. O’Hara, CEO of Internova Travel Group. “By opening our doors and partnering with organizations like I AM C.U.L.T.U.R.E.D., we’re helping students see how their curiosity, creativity and ambition can translate into meaningful careers in travel.”
Throughout the day, students participated in resume-building and LinkedIn workshops, discussions on emerging innovations such as artificial intelligence in travel and networking opportunities with industry professionals. The event concluded with an expo where leading travel organizations connected directly with students to discuss career paths, internships and professional opportunities.
Students also heard from peers who have participated in I AM C.U.L.T.U.R.E.D. travel experiences in destinations such as Ghana, New Orleans and South Africa, sharing how those experiences broadened their perspectives and inspired future ambitions.
“Programs like the Youth Travel & Career Summit create powerful moments of discovery for our students,” said Karmia Berry, Founder and Executive Director of I AM C.U.L.T.U.R.E.D. “By partnering with Internova and its travel industry colleagues, we are able to expose young people to global careers, mentorship and experiences that help them envision futures far beyond what they may have previously imagined.”
Internova’s network includes more than 100,000 travel advisors worldwide, helping travelers experience destinations across the globe. By hosting the summit at its headquarters and engaging employees as mentors and presenters—alongside travel partners including AmaWaterways, Hyatt, Micato Safaris, MSC Cruises, Omni Hotels, Royal Caribbean and Travel Leaders of Tomorrow—the company gave students a firsthand look at the many career paths within the travel industry and the collaborative community that powers it.
As demand for expert travel guidance grows, Internova continues to expand its travel advisor community and welcomes those interested in launching or growing advisory businesses through brands such as ALTOUR, Global Travel Collection, Nexion Travel Group, Travel Leaders Network and The Vacation Group.
“Travel connects people, cultures and communities,” O’Hara added. “If we want our industry to thrive, we need to actively invest in the next generation of talent. We’re proud to work alongside our partners to create opportunities that inspire young people and open doors to careers they may never have imagined.”