Haymarket joins two other private investors, John Brown and Mark Ellingham in backing Wanderlust, although the majority of the business will still be owned by Lyn Hughes, the editor-in-chief and publisher who founded the company with her late husband Paul Morrison in 1993.
The magazine and website will continue to be published by its existing team in Windsor. Kevin Costello, managing director of Haymarket Consumer Media will join the board of directors.
Costello was enthusiastic about the online potential of Wanderlust, saying that it sat well within Haymarket’s portfolio of specialist brands and adding that Haymarket could support the publication with its digital expertise to expand the online side of the business, a sentiment echoed by co-founder Hughes.
Wanderlust, which is set to celebrate its 100th issue later this month, was conceived on the back of an aeroplane sick bag by Hughes and Morrison, who wanted to create a travel magazine with impartial information, fresh ideas and the right mix of wildlife, activities and cultural insight, portrayed by inspirational writing and photography.
The 100th issue coincides with the magazine’s 15th anniversary on 20 November and will comprise its biggest issue, with contributions from Michael Palin, Bill Bryson and Kate Humble.
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