Guide Note

Lonely Planet Publications is a company that specializes in travel guides and travel-related information. Among their ventures are a web site, a guidebook production arm, and a television production unit. In 2007, Lonely Planet was bought by BBC Worldwide and made into a subsidiary.

Fast Facts

1. Founders: Tony Wheeler, Maureen Wheeler
2. Year established: 1974
3. Industry: Travel/publications
4. Phone: (800) 275-8555
5. Fax: (510) 893-8572
6. HQ: Footscray, Victoria, Australia
7. U.S. HQ: Oakland, California
8. CEO: Judy Slatyer
9. Staff: 500+
10. First Book: Across Asia on the Cheap
11. Offices in Melbourne, London, and Oakland

1. 1973: Wheelers go on trip across Asia, write Across Asia on the Cheap
2. October, 2007: BBC Worldwide acquires 75% share

In his 2008 memoir, Lonely Planet writer Thomas Kohnstamm admitted to plagiarizing or fabricating parts of his travel guides. The company claimed that after reviewing his work, no inaccuracies were found.