Long-time travel agency closes in Medina

Tom Rivers/Daily News – Carlene Stockwell worked her last day at Travel Horizons in Medina today after 23 years with the Main Street business.

MEDINA – Carlene Stockwell used to be part of a team of four full-time employees, arranging flights, cruises and other trips for local residents.

The travel agents at Horizon Travel would receive a commission from the airlines and tour operators. And customers would bring back trinkets from the trips, stone shamrocks from Ireland, dancing figurines from Hawaii, sea shells from the ocean and chop sticks from Tokyo.

Stockwell worked 23 years at Travel Horizons. She was the last remaining full-time employee. Owner June Seager decided to close the business today after 24 years at 511 Main St.

“It’s been a pleasure working in the business,” Stockwell said today. “We’ve built so many friendships.”

Stockwell said the elimination of commissions from the airlines, plus the proliferation of the Internet, which makes it easier for customers to book their own trips, has pushed many travel agents out of the industry.

“It’s a very different business now,” she said. “I don’t see a future for me in travel tourism.”

It used to be a promising career. She earned a degree in travel tourism from Genesee Community College more than two decades ago.  GCC no longer offers that major. It’s been adapted to “Tourism and Hospitality Management.”