In mid-1972, Tony and Maureen Wheeler set out on a year-long trip around the world with the intention of getting the travel bug out of their systems. After following the “hippie trail” from England across Asia to Australia, they recognized the need for a new sort of travel guide to suit the new breed of laid-back, independent travelers.
More than 30 years later, they are the owners of one of the world’s largest, most successful, and best-loved independent travel publishing companies. Lonely Planet Publications has offices on three continents, with 400 employees, 250 writers, more than 600 titles in print, and annual sales of more than 6 million books. The Wheelers, from Melbourne, Australia, showed favorite images and related their story as told in Unlikely Destinations: The Lonely Planet Story — a lively mix of autobiography, business history, and of course, travel!
Guided tours of the historic building were available during the cocktail hour. Visitors viewed the League House’s beautifully restored decor and distinguished art collection, as well as the club’s private hotel area. |
