Travel + Leisure: A Legacy of Luxury Travel Journalism
Travel + Leisure is a premier travel magazine based in New York City, renowned for its high-end approach to global exploration. Published 12 times a year, the publication serves as a cornerstone for leisure travel enthusiasts, boasting 4.8 million readers according to its corporate media kit. While it is published by People Inc., a subsidiary of IAC, the trademark rights are held by Travel + Leisure Co., a timeshare company that licenses the brand to the publisher.
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Key Facts
- Editor-in-Chief: Jacqui Gifford
- Founded: 1937 (originally as U.S. Camera and Travel)
- Total Circulation: 955,897 (2024)
- Publisher: People Inc. (subsidiary of IAC)
- Frequency: Monthly
- Headquarters: New York City, United States
- Main Competitor: Condé Nast Traveler
The Evolution of the Publication
The magazine's journey began in 1937 under the title U.S. Camera and Travel. In its early years, the publication focused heavily on travel photography. However, in 1971, the magazine rebranded as Travel + Leisure, signaling a strategic shift toward comprehensive general travel coverage.
Today, the magazine is celebrated for its specialization in leisure travel. It distinguishes itself by featuring contributions from a diverse array of writers, including poets, novelists, artists, designers, and non-travel journalists. This eclectic approach, combined with iconic photography and covers featuring models in upscale environments, has cemented its reputation in the luxury market.
Industry Recognition and Annual Awards
Travel + Leisure is perhaps best known for its influential reader-driven rankings. Since 1995, the magazine has announced its World's Best Awards every August. These awards utilize reader surveys to rate various travel categories, including airports, cities, cruise ships, hotels, and islands.
In addition to the World's Best Awards, the publication produces other highly anticipated annual features:
- T+L 500: A curated list of the world's top 500 hotels.
- America's Favorite Cities: A ranking of U.S. cities across different categories based on reader input.
Ownership and Corporate History
The ownership of Travel + Leisure has transitioned through several major media entities. On October 1, 2013, Time Inc. (which was later acquired by Meredith Corporation) purchased the magazine from American Express Publishing.
In 2021, Wyndham Destinations acquired the Travel + Leisure brand from Meredith Corporation and subsequently renamed itself Travel + Leisure Co. Under a long-term license agreement, the magazine continues to be published independently by People Inc. Travel + Leisure Co. maintains the rights to license the trademark for the manufacture and marketing of various products.
Global Reach and International Editions
To expand its global footprint, the magazine launched several international editions. While some remain active, others have ceased operations over time.
| Edition | Launch Date | Status/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | 1986 / 2005 | Ceased (1987 / 2009) |
| China | October 2005 | Launched |
| Mexico | October 2002 | Launched |
| Russia | September 2003 | Defunct (late 2007) |
| Turkey | April 2005 | Defunct (March 2016) |
| Southeast Asia | December 2007 | Launched |
| South Asia | September 2006 | Launched |
| India | January 2008 | Launched |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the current Editor-in-Chief of Travel + Leisure?
The current Editor-in-Chief is Jacqui Gifford.
How are the World's Best Awards determined?
The awards are based on an annual reader survey where votes from the magazine's readers are taken into consideration to rate airports, cities, cruise ships, hotels, and islands.
What was the magazine called before it became Travel + Leisure?
The magazine was originally published in 1937 as U.S. Camera and Travel before changing its name in 1971.
Who owns the Travel + Leisure trademark?
The trademark rights belong to Travel + Leisure Co. (formerly Wyndham Destinations), which licenses the trademark to the publisher, People Inc.
What is the T+L 500?
The T+L 500 is an annual feature that lists the top 500 hotels in the world.