MAY 07, 2009
The global Web community has voted LonelyPlanet.com as Best Travel Site of the Year in The Webby People’s Voice Awards.
This year, over 500,000 votes were cast by people around the world for their favorite sites, videos, and ads in The Webby People’s Voice Awards.
Hailed as the “Internet’s highest honor” by The New York Times, The Webby Award is the leading international award honoring excellence on the Internet, including websites, interactive advertising, online film and video, and mobile websites. The Webby Awards are presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, a 650-person judging academy whose members include Internet co-inventor Vint Cerf, R/GA’s Chief Bob Greenberg, “Simpsons” creator Matt Groening, Arianna Huffington and Harvey Weinstein.
'The Webby Awards honor the very best of the Internet,' said David-Michel Davies, executive director of The Webby Awards. 'Lonely Planet’s win is a testament to the skill, ingenuity, and vision of its creators.'
'We've put a lot of effort into enriching LonelyPlanet.com over the last year,' said Kelly Brough, Global Online Director for Lonely Planet. 'The site has always been a trusted travel community, but now it also has a fresh modern look, details on over 8,000 destinations, thousands of high quality images, videos and maps, as well the ability to book hotels, flights and a range of other services. We're thrilled that web users love all these improvements and have recognised us in this way.'
Founded in 1996, The Webby Awards are known worldwide for its famous five-word speech limit. This year’s Awards received nearly 10,000 entries from over 60 countries.
Lonely Planet will be honored at a star-studded ceremony in New York City on 8 June. The following day, fans will be able to watch the ceremony, including Lonely Planet’s five-word speech, at the official Webby Awards YouTube Channel.
The Webby Awards have previously recognised Lonely Planet in the 1999, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005 ceremonies.
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About Lonely Planet
Fresh from an epic journey across Europe, Asia and Australia in 1972, Tony and Maureen Wheeler sat at their kitchen table stapling together notes. The first Lonely Planet guidebook, Across Asia on the Cheap, was born. Inspired by the guide’s success, the Wheelers began publishing books to Southeast Asia, India and beyond. Over the years, Lonely Planet extended its coverage to every country and into the virtual world via lonelyplanet.com and the Thorn Tree message board. In October 2007, BBC Worldwide acquired a 75% share in the company, pledging to uphold Lonely Planet’s commitment to independent travel, trustworthy advice and editorial independence. Today, Lonely Planet has offices in Melbourne, London and Oakland, with around 500 staff members and 300 authors.
About The Webby Awards:
Hailed as the 'Internet's highest honor' by the New York Times, The Webby Awards is the leading international award honoring excellence on the Internet, including Websites, interactive advertising, online film and video, and mobile web sites. Established in 1996, the 13th Annual Webby Awards received over 10,000 entries from all 50 states and over 60 countries worldwide. The Webby Awards is presented by The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences. Sponsors and Partners of The Webby Awards include: YouTube; Microsoft Silverlight; The Creative Group; .ORG; Getty Images; The Barbarian Group; Digital Kitchen; Variety; Wired; IDG; PricewaterhouseCoopers; 2advanced.Net; KobeMail and Museum of the Moving Image.
Media Contact
Adam Bennett
Media & Communications Manager (Asia-Pacific)
Tel: +61 (0)3 8379 8000
adam.bennett@lonelyplanet.com.au
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