AUGUSTA, Ga.—Morris Communications has purchased Guest Informant™, the nation's largest publisher of visitor guides for the major metropolitan areas of the United States. The 66-year-old publishing company is headquartered in Woodland Hills, Calif.

Guest Informant™ distributes its hardcover visitor books in the guest rooms of more than 1,700 hotels in 32 markets and reaches approximately 70 million business and leisure travelers each year. The well-recognized, upscale publications have provided city visitors with information on local shopping, dining, arts, entertainment, day trips and attractions since 1937.

In 1986, Guest Informant™ added a softcover, digest-sized Quick Guide in 16 selected markets. The convenient, portable book, produced in each market along with its more recent companion publication, Map & Guide, gives easy access to practical information on what to do and see and where to dine and shop in the destination city.

Also included in the purchase is Guest Informant™'s Web site,www.CitySpin.com. The site gives up-to-the-minute visitor information, explores featured destinations and provides reservation services, travel tips, travel news, weather, customs and currency information and other travel planning amenities.

"We are extremely pleased to add this well-established, premium brand to our current offerings in the travel and tourism market sector," said William S. Morris IV, president of Morris Communications. "We look forward to working with the knowledgeable and experienced employees of this fine organization."

The existing visitor publications division of Morris includes ten proprietary Best Read Guides in the U.S.; IN New York magazine; and three additional travel guides published in and covering the city of London.

Morris Communications is a privately held media company with diversified holdings that include newspaper and magazine publishing, outdoor advertising, radio broadcasting, book publishing and distribution, and online services. For more information, visit www.morris.com.