Fourth year of partnership highlights Internova’s commitment to developing the next generation of travel professionals

NEW YORK (April 25, 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.”

About Internova Travel Group

Internova Travel Group is one of the largest travel services companies in the world with a collection of leading brands delivering high-touch, personal travel expertise to leisure and corporate clients. Internova manages leisure, business and franchise firms through a portfolio of distinctive divisions. Internova represents more than 100,000 travel advisors in over 6,000 company-owned and affiliated locations predominantly in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, with a presence in more than 80 countries.

About I AM C.U.L.T.U.R.E.D.

I AM C.U.L.T.U.R.E.D. is devoted to empowering high school youth of color to become innovative global citizens through experiential learning, mentorship and cultural experiences. The organization is passionately dedicated to promoting self-empowerment and appreciation for cultural richness and diversity and to creating global leaders of tomorrow who envision a life beyond their immediate communities while fulfilling personal and professional goals toward success.