Publishing sales at Berlitz International's book group rose 8.8% in 1998 to $14.8 million. According to the company, the sales increase was due to increased sales of the German-market version of Berlitz's Think and Talk line. The company also had strong bookstore sales in a number of key markets, although revenues in its North American direct-response business decreased. During the year, approximately 41% of the unit's book sales came from Europe.
Berlitz now has 92 English-language travel guides as well as more than 175 titles in other languages. Its backlist also includes 72 phrase books, published in five languages, 36 of which are for English-speaking travelers.
Berlitz recently renewed its distribution agreement with Globe Pequot. Ellen Adler, v-p for worldwide publishing, told PW that new company initiatives for 1999 include expanding its business in Latin America and Asia and introducing a new children's line. The company has also begun selling from its Web site, berlitz.com, and Adler said that given the international aspect of its operations, it expects to see sales through the Web grow at a steady pace.
