Destination Promotion Internship

*This is a 6 month paid internship based in Calgary, Alberta.

Work. Wonders.

Get inspired - Face Your Wild in Alberta come and be a part of this amazing organization. 

At Travel Alberta, we are redefining what it means to be a tourism and economic development leader in Canada. As the provincial destination management organization, we’ve embraced an ambitious goal: doubling Alberta’s tourism sector to $25 billion in annual visitor spending by 2035. This bold vision reflects our commitment to transforming Alberta into a premier destination for both visitors and investors, driving sustainable economic growth while creating unforgettable itineraries and experiences that showcase our breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage. 

Role Summary
At Travel Alberta, we are redefining what it means to be a tourism and economic development leader in North America. As the provincial destination management organization, we have set an ambitious goal: doubling Alberta's tourism sector to $25 billion in annual visitor spending by 2035.

Reporting to the Director of Brand and Content, the Destination Promotion Intern participates in a structured six-month rotational learning program designed to provide exposure to the core disciplines that drive Alberta's visitor economy. Through guided learning experiences, project assignments, industry engagement opportunities, and mentorship, the intern gains practical experience across destination marketing, destination promotion, travel trade, international markets, media relations, and public relations.

The role rotates through Brand & Content, Integrated Marketing, Travel Trade & International Markets, and Media Relations & Public Relations, providing broad exposure to the strategies, partnerships, and operations that support Alberta's tourism industry. Throughout the program, the intern develops an understanding of how destinations are marketed, how tourism experiences are promoted and distributed, how visitor demand is influenced, and how industry partnerships contribute to tourism growth.

Working alongside teams across Travel Alberta, the intern contributes to research, assignments, planning activities, and stakeholder engagement opportunities while developing professional skills in communication, collaboration, critical thinking, project coordination, and industry relationship management.

The intern demonstrates curiosity, professionalism, initiative, and a commitment to learning while building foundational knowledge of Alberta's tourism industry.

Key Responsibilities
1. Brand & Content Development:

• Assist with content audits and reviews of website, social media, and marketing content to identify opportunities for consistency and alignment with Travel Alberta's brand.
• Participate in content planning discussions and document key takeaways, action items, and project updates.
• Support the preparation of background research, briefing materials, and destination information to support content development initiatives.
• Develop draft content briefs and storytelling recommendations for tourism experiences and destination promotion activities.

2. Integrated Marketing Support:

• Assist with the coordination of campaign planning materials, content calendars, and marketing project documentation.
• Develop an understanding of audience, market, and industry research to support campaign planning and marketing activities.
• Compile campaign examples, market trends, and consumer insights for discussion and review.
• Attend campaign planning and performance review meetings and document key learnings and observations.
• Support marketing reporting activities by summarizing campaign results and identifying key insights under the guidance of team members.

3. Travel Trade & International Markets Exposure:

• Assist with the preparation of market profiles, destination summaries, briefing materials, and tourism product inventories.
• Attend meetings with destination partners, tourism operators, travel trade stakeholders, and industry organizations.
• Support research activities related to visitor markets, travel trends, and tourism opportunities.
• Develop an understanding of how tourism products and experiences are positioned and promoted to domestic and international visitors.

4. Media Relations & Public Relations:

• Research media outlets, tourism publications, tourism initiatives, and stakeholder organizations.
• Participate in communications planning discussions and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Prepare briefing notes, background research, and supporting materials for communications initiatives.
• Assist with the development of media briefing packages, key messages, and stakeholder engagement resources.

5. Tourism Industry Knowledge & Professional Development

• Develop an understanding of Alberta's tourism industry, including DMOs, tourism operators, Indigenous tourism organizations, tourism associations, and industry partners.
• Participate in industry meetings, networking opportunities, tourism events, and stakeholder engagement activities to build awareness of Alberta's visitor economy.
• Build knowledge of tourism trends, destination experiences, and emerging opportunities within Alberta's tourism sector.
• Participate in regular coaching and development conversations with the assigned Success Coach.
• Develop and maintain a learning portfolio documenting key learnings, rotational assignments, reflections, industry exposure, and professional development activities.
• Present key learnings, observations, and assignment outcomes to host teams and mentors throughout the internship.

Required Qualifications
1. Education and Experience:

• Currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from, a post-secondary program in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Tourism Management, Business, Hospitality, Commerce, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated interest in tourism, destination marketing, communications, public relations, economic development, or related fields.
• Experience gained through coursework, volunteer activities, student organizations and/or clubs, or part-time employment is considered an asset.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and digital collaboration tools.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new concepts and adapt to changing priorities.

*We kindly thank all agency partners, we will NOT require support to fill this role. We kindly request no phone calls nor emails*