Covid-19 has changed everything. In particular, it has changed everything about travel. As a Lonely Planet writer you learn fast that change is the only constant on the road. Still, no one was expecting the changes announced last week: that Lonely Planet is to close its Melbourne production facility and London offices “almost entirely”, as well as its magazine and Trade and Reference division. The famous guidebooks will continue to be published through the company’s Dublin and Tennessee offices, but they will also face some job cuts.

As travel has outpaced the growth of the global economy for the last eight years, Lonely Planet has grown to become the world’s largest travel publisher, accounting for 31.5% of the global guidebook market. But with planes grounded, borders closed and people quarantined, where travel is headed next is anyone’s guess. “[It’s] a sad and difficult day for all of us in the Lonely Planet family,” wrote managing director of publishing, Piers Pickard.

clutchcargo wrote: ↑Wed Apr 15, 2020 4:05 pm

Duncan wrote: ↑Wed Apr 15, 2020 3:47 pm Quote ]
The famous guidebooks will continue to be published through the company’s Dublin and Tennessee offices,


I would have thought that LP would have everything online. Books are a bit old fashion these days aren't they. By the time they are printed the information is out of date, where as online can be updated daily.

Yeah, it was in decline anyway. Everybody is blogging their travel experiences these days...and, it's free.

Some history according to wikipedia:

The founders of LP sold 75% to BBC Worldwide for estimated 63 million pounds in 2007.
They sold the remaining 25% to BBC for 42 million pounds in 2011.
BBC Worldwide sells LP to NC2 Media for 51.5 million pounds in 2013.

The coronavirus will dissipate becoming less deadly but will not disappear.
Rebounds are a very real danger and countries such as New Zealand and Australia are already discussing keeping borders closed for 12 months to avoid any rebound. Stopping both inbound and outbound visits. They will not be alone – other countries will restrict access also.
Domestic tourism and travel is set to explode.
Family travel will also boom. The decision makers – will be the kids! Gear activities and menus around the decision makers.
Activity and experiential vacations will be key.
Hotels will take firmer control of room inventory – having best available rates only on their websites for direct bookings and their own social media platforms.
OTA’s will finally lose their stranglehold on hotel bookings and their huge 25% commissions.
Travel Agents regrettably will see even further business declines in their business volumes post COVID-19. Potential travellers will continue to D-I-Y digitally as they are becoming increasingly computer proficient and savvy surfers.
Green travel and care of the environment will see record volume growth as the travelling public now “get-it” after the effects of a virus that stopped the world in its tracks.
Business travel and daily commuting will decline as we embrace work-at-home. It works! We will see, in city locations, corporate business shrink to 4D3N (4 days, 3 nights) during the week and leisure related business increase to 3D2N.
Video conferencing and webinars will increase but face-to-face meetings and conferences along with trade shows and congresses will survive. We are human and we like human interaction.
As domestic and family travel grows, five-star hotel occupancies will decline. Mid-range hotels will see the fastest growth.