BBC signs international licensing deal for Lonely Planet Magazine

BBC Magazines has signed five new international licensing deals for its Lonely Planet Magazine.

The deal will see six different editions of the monthly travel title launch by the end of this financial year, according to reports.

BBC Worldwide acquired a 75% stake in the Lonely Planet travel brand for £89 million at the end of 2007.

It has since attracted criticism from the industry for going against its own fair trading rules as the venture had no real connection with BBC programming or original content.

However, despite opposition, the BBC launched the Lonely Planet Magazine in the UK in November 2008 and another version of the title in Brazil in June 2009.

It now plans to launch editions with partners in France, Argentina, the Philippines, Singapore -Pan Asian and India.

James Hewes, head of international development at BBC Magazines said: “We are delighted to have had such a great response to the Lonely Planet Magazine from international partners around the world.  We have secured six international licences in the magazine’s first year – and we would love to hear from other publishers who are interested in the title.”

The title is aimed at travellers, featuring a mix of editorial and photography on both short breaks and long-haul trips.