When was Rough Guides founded?
Rough Guides was founded in 1982. The company began as a guidebook publisher, with its first title being The Rough Guide to Greece.
Questions about Rough Guides
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who founded Rough Guides?
Mark Ellingham is the founder associated with Rough Guides. He led the company through its early growth and was responsible for key decisions including its 1995 deal with HotWired Ventures and its 2007 climate awareness campaign.
What was the Rough Guides climate campaign about?
In May 2007, Mark Ellingham launched a climate awareness campaign focused on the contribution of air travel to climate change. Rough Guides began printing a "health warning" in its books urging readers to "Fly less, stay longer," and Ellingham partnered with Lonely Planet founder Tony Wheeler on the initiative.
When did Rough Guides launch personalised trip planning?
Rough Guides launched its personalised trip service in November 2018. The service connects customers with local travel experts based in destinations around the world who plan and arrange trips on behalf of travelers.
Did Rough Guides win any podcast awards?
Yes. Series 4 of The Rough Guide to Everywhere podcast, hosted by former senior editor Aimee White, won Bronze in the Best Branded Podcast category at The British Podcast Awards in 2019. The podcast ran from 2017 to 2020.
What was the Rough Guides deal with HotWired in 1995?
In 1995, Mark Ellingham reached an agreement with HotWired Ventures, the digital arm of the publisher behind WIRED magazine, to make the full text of The Rough Guide to the USA available free online through HotWired's World Beat section. At the time Rough Guides were selling around a million books a year.