Travel guides going digital?

Penguin Random House has entered into an agreement to sell travel imprint Fodor’s to Internet Brands in a deal whose terms were not disclosed.

Penguin Random House will still distribute Fodor’s print guides on behalf of Internet Brands.
Fodor’s will join the Los Angeles-based Internet Brands’ portfolio which already includes travel websites such as FlyerTalk.com and Wikitravel.org. While the company mostly focuses on digital, Internet Brands has some experience in print through Nolo, its legal guidebooks property.

Fodor’s published its first guidebook 80 years ago and has since published titles on some 7,500 destinations around the globe. The publisher currently has more than 150 travel guide in print, as well as 250 e-books and 25 mobile apps, as well as popular newsletters. The publisher’s website has been around for 20 years and counts about 4.5 million monthly visitors.

“The Fodor’s name is legendary, and we have a deep appreciation for its history and the direct impact Fodor’s has on the way people explore new places,” stated Bob Brisco, CEO at Internet Brands. “Internet Brands has a proven history of navigating legacy brands to strong growth in the digital world. We’re confident that Internet Brands is the ideal partner to ensure that the Fodor’s brand continues to guide travelers for generations to come.”