The New International Planner is Soon to be Released
Tobias Zerr, President Phoenix Publishing, shares some changes to the International Planner as well as what makes it such a unique travel guide.
Q: Tell us about your custom print company and the international travel magazines you publish?
A: Our entire DNA is to help US destinations reach prior visitors to the USA from key global inbound markets. Phoenix International Publishing and its affiliated publications have been publishing for over 25 years in countries including the UK, USA, Germany, France, Italy, the Nordic Region, China, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Brazil and Canada. Our flagship consumer magazine, Essentially America, is the leading international consumer travel magazine about leisure travel in the USA that is printed and distributed in multiple languages in the UK and Germany.
Q: Why are print and digital magazines still needed?
A: Magazines provide a different and unique experience for readers. Print in particular provides a tangible and physical experience for readers. In travel this can be particularly impactful, as the reader can engage with high-quality imagery, inspiring descriptions that are tactile and personal, evoking emotions and inspiring wanderlust.
When it comes to international markets in particular, print is still a very highly consumed medium. According to a 2022 YouGov study, 3x more British readers prefer print versions of magazines than do those who prefer digital versions. German representative offices often discuss the continued importance of print media for that market as well.
Q: We added new voices with guest authors this year – who are they and why?
A: Our two guest authors this year are Zoey Goto and Jacqui Agate. Zoey Goto is a journalist and author covering US travel and has been featured in National Geographic Traveller, Nat Geo Food, Times Travel and GQ, BBC Travel, Rolling Stone, Esquire, Wallpaper, Lonely Planet, Vogue, Architectural Digest, plus many of the UK’s newspapers. Her specialist travel area is the US southern states, having been a regular visitor for over 20 years. In 2021 she won the Travel South USA Ambassador Award for journalism.
Jacqui Agate is travel writer and editor, specializing in the USA who has recently embarked on a literary themed road trip across the Travel South region. Her work has appeared in publications including LoveExploring.com, The Times, The i, National Geographic Traveller, Wanderlust and Lonely Planet.
In order to capture and showcase the diverse experiences around the South, we felt it was important to have different voices tell their personal story based on their first hand experiences of the region.
Q: Do you think the South will ever run out of great stories that interest overseas visitors?
A: No, I don’t. The region offers such a diverse range of experiences and landscape that it will continually provide new content. From beaches, mountains, music, to culture and cuisine, from small charming towns to bustling cities, the South has it all. Continuous innovation in cuisine, music and attractions further ensure a constant stream of new stories. The possibilities are truly endless.
Q: If you had one wish for the International Planner – what would it be?
A: For it to be viewed amongst the most inspiring, informative and engaging US travel promotion publications that is out there.
Q: How does the International Planner set itself apart from other destination guides?
A: What truly sets the Travel South Travel Planner apart is that it was written and published more like a magazine instead of a travel guide. Travel South gave Phoenix International Publishing editorial freedom allowing us to create captivating stories and content thus creating a truly consumer centric Travel Planner.