Lonely Planet Publications of Oakland, Calif., has announced plans to publish Spanish-language editions of selected travel guides. Fourteen titles will make their debut by June of this year. The new venture is a partnership with Editorial GeoPlaneta, the travel publishing imprint of the Planeta Group in Spain. GeoPlaneta and Lonely Planet will jointly reconfigure the titles for the Spanish-speaking traveler. Sales and distribution will be divided among the partners, with Planeta handling sales in Europe while Lonely Planet may handle much of Latin America in addition to North America.
According to LP general manager Eric Kettunen, "A global perspective has always been at the heart of Lonely Planet's approach. We make nearly 20% of our sales in the European market largely to readers who use English as a second language. This is a way to better serve an eager readership that already exists. Partnering with GeoPlaneta has made it possible to streamline the project, which we plan on being an ongoing interest."
The Spanish-language books are designed for Spanish, Latin American and Spanish-speaking American travelers. Among the first titles available are books on Cuba, Greece, the Yucatan and Kenya. A Spanish-language Web site, www.lonelyplanet.es, will also debut this season, offering travelers forums and updates.
In an effort to continue expanding its reach as a global travel information provider, Lonely Planet has also begun drafting plans to move into German- and Italian-language markets.
