Philanthropist and co-founder of the Lonely Planet, Tony Wheeler, has funded and launched a new series of PhD scholarships in the history of travel writing at the University of Warwick.

Research themes within this programme will include:

• the evolution of travel advice.
• dark tourism.
• travel and gender.
• vicarious travel.
• travel, sustainability, and the environment.
• travel and travel writing from the Global South.
  
  

Tony Wheeler, University of Warwick alumnus and Co-founder of Lonely Planet, commented: “I’m thrilled to launch this new scholarship in travel writing at my alma mater.

“As someone who has spent a lifetime exploring the world through writing, I'm excited to see how this partnership can contribute to our understanding of travel and its cultural impact. Together with the University of Warwick, we can embark on a journey of discovery and learning."

The four fully funded studentships were launched at a guest lecture hosted by Tony Wheeler titled “History of Travel Writing – The Art of Travel”.

The lecture was a guided tour through the history of travel writing, from guidebooks to modern travel blogs.

The funding from founders Maureen and Tony Wheeler will be over five years and will support undergraduate field trips, research travel and internships to help students with an interest in the history of travel and travel writing.

Tony Wheeler gained his undergraduate degree in engineering at the University of Warwick before embarking on travels across Europe, Asia and Australasia. It was this journey with his wife that led to the creation of his first travel guide and the creation of Lonely Planet in 1973.