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Maureen was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland. At age 20 she moved to London, where she met Tony Wheeler. While they were establishing Lonely Planet, Maureen completed a degree in social work, but then committed herself full-time to developing the business.

Maureen was responsible for organising the very successful Lonely Planet travel summits held in 1994 (to celebrate the company’s 21st birthday) and again in November 1997.

Maureen has been the driving force behind Lonely Planet’s corporate contributions program established to provide financial assistance for humanitarian projects in developing countries.

In 2007 Maureen and Tony sold 75% of Lonely Planet to BBC Worldwide, they remain on the board of Lonely Planet.

The Planet Wheeler Foundation established in 2008 supports educational and health projects in the developing world and is funded solely by the Wheelers.

Maureen is an associate professor at the La Trobe University School of Tourism and Hospitality, Faculty of Law and Management, and served two terms as director on the board of Tourism Tasmania, and one term on each of the board of Tourism NT and Opera Melbourne.

Personal Awards for Maureen Wheeler

2005 - American University’s School of Communication (SOC) and the Society of American Travel Writers Foundation inaugural Eric A. Friedheim Travel Journalism Lifetime Achievement Award.

2002 - Lloyd O’Neil Award for Services to the Australian Book Industry Awarded jointly: Tony Wheeler and Maureen Wheeler, Lonely Planet

2001 - Honorary Doctorate awarded by University of Ulster, Northern Ireland – 2001

1999 - Australian Business Women’s Network award for the most Inspiring Business Woman for the year-1999