NEW BUSINESS: TRAVEL AGENCIES MERGE

First Discount Travel and World Travel Center have merged operations.

First Discount Travel was founded in February 1977 and is owned by Mark and Shari Elfrink and Lloyd and Velma Whitledge.

The agency in West Park Mall is a member of the American Society of Travel Agents, Cruise Lines International Association and Airlines Reporting Corp. and International Airlines Travel Agent Network.

World Travel, which was founded in 1969, was owned by Barbara Reinland and Terri Weller, who will remain at the First Discount Travel agency.

The business offers all types of travel plans for vacation and business, including cruises, tours, airline tickets, resort vacations and more.

Office hours are from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or by appointment

First Discount recently received the "Rising Star Award" during a conference of all franchise owners at Grand Cayman Island. First Discount was only one of two to received the honor.