Study to gauge travel-agency health

Transportation commission to hold a hearing in June

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A government commission is to examine the financial health of travel agencies, and evaluate what effect a decline in the industry could have on consumers.

The commission also is to explore whether consumer access to travel products offered by the airline industry is as good as it should be and what impact possible impediments could have on travel agents, Internet-based distributors and travelers, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced Thursday.

The business environment for smaller travel agencies -- with less than $1 million in annual revenues -- will be a particular focus of the commission, DOT officials said.

The commission is expected to issue recommendations by November 16 on how to improve the financial condition of travel agents and enhance consumer access to travel information.

Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta has selected David L. Winstead, a Washington attorney and former Maryland Secretary of Transportation, as the commission's chairman.

The commission is to hold its first public hearing on Tuesday, June 11.