This is the second year that Internova has hosted the daylong event, designed to introduce high school students of color to travel opportunities, careers in the industry

NEW YORK (April 9, 2024) – For the second year in a row, Internova Travel Group is hosting the I AM C.U.L.T.U.R.E.D. (IAC) Youth Travel Summit, an annual program that gives BIPOC high school students an opportunity to learn from insiders and influencers in the travel industry.

The 2024 summit, which will take place on Saturday, April 13, at Internova’s New York City headquarters, is designed to inspire the next generation of global travelers and introduce young people to the wide variety of careers they can choose from in the travel and tourism industry. Right after the summit, the students will be leaving on a trip to Italy.

“We were delighted to have such an enthusiastic group of young people at last year’s event,” said Kathy Christianson, who heads diversity, equity and inclusion at Internova Travel Group, one of the world’s largest travel services companies. “It’s extremely rewarding to help students realize that they can explore the world and explore careers in the travel industry. I’m thrilled that we’re continuing our partnership with I AM C.U.L.T.U.R.E.D. for this vital program. As a company, we are competing on a global stage and we believe strongly in the power that comes from a diverse team of professionals, inclusive of all people and thought.”

The theme of this year’s summit is professional development. A photographer will be available to take headshots of the students for LinkedIn profiles. Breakout sessions will include topics such as How to Make the Most of LinkedIn; How to Build Your Resume; and The Power of Networking. Representatives from hotel chains, airlines, cruises and tour operators will be on hand to speak with participants.

IAC empowers BIPOC high school students to become innovative global citizens through experiential learning, mentorship and cultural experiences. It organizes travel abroad programs, provides opportunities for community service and offers monthly workshops on topics like financial literacy, wellness and college and career readiness.

“We had an amazing experience at last year’s Youth Travel Summit, and I am so excited that Internova is once again hosting this event,” said Karmia Berry, Executive Director of I AM C.U.L.T.U.R.E.D. “Our partnership with Internova supports our efforts and expands the opportunities for our students to broaden their horizons and be inspired by the wealth of knowledge and career resources brought by all represented in the room for our full-day summit.”

Editor’s Note: If you are interested in attending the event, please email Elizabeth Gaerlan at egaerlan@internova.com.

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.