SECTION VII
RETAILING
One version of the travel agent story of the last half century can be written on a notepad:
The number of airline-approved agencies rose dramatically from 2,871 at the end of 1958,
peaking at 33,715 at year end 1996, then slid precipitously to 19,715 as of the end of 2007,
or fewer locations than at year end 1982. The foregoing is correct, but it is not the whole
story. Half a century ago, agents had to convince the airlines there was a “need” for their
services before gaining approval to sell air tickets.
See RETAILING on Page 50
TRAVEL WEEKLY’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY
JUNE
16, 2008
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