The growing trend of verticalization.

The article discusses the growing trend of "verticalization" in the retail travel industry. The author identifies several factors contributing to this trend, including the ease of entry into the travel advisor business, the simplicity and cost-free nature of entering the host-agency business, the lack of government audits on independent contractors (ICs), and the commission agreements of major carriers. The author predicts that in the future, a small number of mega-agencies will dominate the industry, with smaller agencies affiliating with them through various arrangements. [Extracted from the article]