The philanthropist and Co-founder of Lonely Planet Tony Wheeler is funding a new series of PhD scholarships in the history of travel writing at the University of Warwick.

The Wheeler History of Travel Writing Programme will also allow students to take part in field trips, participate in conferences, and access valuable internships.

The changing nature of travel from early historical journeys to virtual travel will take centre stage in the research, delving into how diverse historical experiences have influenced and shaped global travel and tourism.

Research themes within this programme will include the evolution of travel advice, dark tourism, travel and gender, vicarious travel, travel, sustainability, and the environment, and travel and travel writing from the Global South.

Tony Wheeler, University of Warwick alumnus and Co-founder of Lonely Planet, commented: “This initiative to explore the history of travel writing is a wonderful opportunity to give back and inspire the next generation of travel enthusiasts and scholars. I believe in the power of education and exploration to transform lives.

"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."

Dr Guido van Meersbergen, Director of the Global History and Culture Centre in the Department of History at the University of Warwick, said, “Tony Wheeler's journey from his days as a student journalist at the Warwick student paper, to the global impact he has made through Lonely Planet has long been a source of pride for Warwick.

“This collaboration with Tony Wheeler aligns perfectly with our University's commitment to fostering innovation and excellence. We see this as an opportunity to shape the future of research and learning.

“This new initiative represents an opportunity to recognise his legacy and contribute to the academic study of historical travel and travel writing.”

The programme will be based in Warwick’s Global History and Culture Centre (GHCC). Founded in 2007, the GHCC has established the university as a pioneer in the field of global history, including an emphasis on global histories of travel and travel writing.

Learn more about The Wheeler History of Travel Writing Programme here.