Signature Media publishes first edition of Vacations & Travel despite travel bans
Signature Media has published its first edition of Australia’s longest-running travel magazine, Vacations & Travel, since acquiring the title in April of 2020, despite ongoing lockdowns across the country and border closures.
Vacations & Travel was established in 1983, and independent travel publisher Signature Media bought the publication from US-based Morris Media Network.
The 115th volume of the magazine is out now, set for distribution through Qantas lounges, hotels, and via Ovato Retail to news agencies and subscribers.
Former editor Natasha Dragun is back on board as editor, having previously served in the role in 2010. She said: “It’s extremely exciting to be back working on this amazing title, and to see it thriving once again with the astoundingly talented team at Signature Media.
“To be relaunching a travel magazine at this time not only shows the foresight of the group’s publisher, Cathy Wagstaff, but also the dedication of writers, designers, production gurus… and everyone else who played a role in putting this issue together.”
The new edition sees Signature Media move to take the magazine back to its roots, and the publisher said it wants to restore Vacations & Travel as a leading travel title in the Australian market.
The new volume covers “far-flung” destinations including the remote gorges of Karijini National Park on a pack-free hike through Western Australia, and a wildlife-spotting expedition across the African isle of Madagascar.
Natarsha Brown has also been promoted to assistant editor of the magazine, and continues as editor of Caravan & Camping With Kids.
CEO & group editor Cathy Wagstaff, returning editor Natasha Dragun
CEO and group editor, Cathy Wagstaff, said the acquisition of Vacations & Travel will see Signature Media shift expand its previous focus on family and high-end travel markets to a much larger demographic.
“We are delighted to have Vacations & Travel in our portfolio of titles. The acquisition gives advertisers the opportunity to reach a much larger market, targeting different age groups and travel types, from cost-conscious travellers up to the discerning high-end luxe connoisseur and everyone in between.”
Signature Media has reduced the price of Vacations & Travel from its previous $11.95 to $9.95.
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Zanda Wilson was a reporter and podcast producer at Mumbrella, specialising in radio reporting. He left Mumbrella in September 2021.
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