PlanetOut Inc. who focus on the gay and lesbian community, announced that its travel magazine, The Out Traveler, is expected to reach a projected circulation of 250,000 in 2007. The company believes the circulation figure makes the magazine the highest-circulated publication exclusively targeting the LGBT audience, a niche market estimated to spend $55 billion a year in travel.

In related news, Ed Salvato, former travel editor, PlanetOut Inc., was named editor in chief of the magazine and corporate director of travel media, PlanetOut Inc.

“In a time when other magazines have been experiencing circulation declines, we are delighted to offer our advertisers an even broader reach into this crucial demographic,” said Joe Landry, publisher, The Out Traveler. “Under Ed’s stewardship, I expect the magazine’s editorial content to provide a sophisticated point of view while at the same time giving our readers practical, useful advice.”

Salvato, who will continue to be based in New York City, brings years of experience to his new role, first as editor in chief of OUT&ABOUT, a travel newsletter and Web site acquired by PlanetOut in 2000, and subsequently as the travel editor for both PlanetOut.com and Gay.com.

“My role will be to grow the brand strategically, and to create synergy between the travel content in our print and online brands when appropriate,” said Salvato. “I sincerely hope to leverage my experience to shepherd The Out Traveler to new heights, better anticipate the needs of our readers, chronicle the state of gay travel, and, in our own small way, help shape its future.”

PlanetOut’s other print titles, including The Advocate and Out, have continued their own solid growth in 2006 through cross promotional initiatives, a new digital delivery option and editorial enhancements.
——-