Lonely Planet Magazine is now published in Argentina (first issue is May 2010), under licence from BBC Magazines to Milke S.A. the Premium Magazine Division of the Editorial Group Veintitres. The deal marks the first partnership between Milke S.A. and BBC Magazines.
The first edition of Lonely Planet Magazine Argentina went on sale on 15 May 2010. It will have a print run between 12,000 and 15,000 and have a cover price of $15 (pesos argentines).
James Hewes, Head of International Development at BBC Magazines, said: "The Lonely Planet brand has been hugely successful in the South American area. I believe with the Editorial Group Veintitres' media experience and the Argentineans' strong culture for travel, Lonely Planet Magazine will also be a great success."
Ana Pere Vignau, editor of Lonely Planet Magazine in Argentina says: "The magazine will have a 60/40 split between UK and local content and my team and I aim to provide up-to-the-minute travel news and inspiration to those buying Lonely Planet Magazine Argentina. Despite the economic crisis, the people of Argentina continue to have a love for adventure and travel and the Lonely Planet brand helps to inspire that dream."
The Philippines' edition of Lonely Planet Magazine went on sale on 24 May 2010, following a licensing deal between BBC Magazines and Bella Luce Publications, Inc.
The deal also marks the first partnership between Bella Luce Publications and BBC Magazines.
The first edition is now on sale, with a cover price of Pesos 250 and a print run of 10,000 copies.
BBC Worldwide's Licensing Manager in Asia-Pacific, Chun Leong Ong said: "Lonely Planet Magazine Philippines represents another important step towards our ambition to become the world’s leading travel title. I believe Bella Luce will be able to set a new benchmark for travel magazines in Philippines and prospective Filipino travellers will embrace Lonely Planet Magazine's blend of inspiration and advice. With three more licences due to be announced in the next few weeks, these are exciting times for Lonely Planet Magazine."
Nick Tuason, Managing Director of Bella Luce said: "We are excited to produce Lonely Planet Magazine Philippines for BBC Magazines. Travel is the next luxury product in the Philippines. Domestic travel is increasing and we believe readers will choose Lonely Planet because of its in-depth articles and unbiased reviews."
The magazine will be edited by Scott "Gutsy" Tuason, a well-known and respected travel photographer and writer in Philippines. He has published a number of books, including Anilao, an award-winning coffee table book on diving.
These are the sixth and seventh international editions of Lonely Planet Magazine since the title launched in the UK in December 2008. The title is now published under licence in Brazil, France, Spain, Singapore and now Argentina and the Philippines, and in India under a joint venture agreement. More international deals are already in the pipeline.
