The news that European travel agency Thomas Cook agreed to merge with British rival MyTravel Group plc, prompted most people to ask the question: "People still use travel agents?" Over the last 10 years, people have instead opted to use Internet sites like Orbitz, Travelocity and others to purchase vacations — or, for our British friends, holidays. Of course, the Internet threat explains why these two European giants are merging. Combined Thomas Cook and MyTravel hope to stave off not only Internet rivals but also the growing number of European discount airlines that offer tickets directly.—Matthew Wurtzel
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