A HIGHLY-RESPECTED figure in the travel industry in Dundee is retiring today after 41 years in the business.

Graham James (58), managing director of DP&L Travel, is handing over the responsibility of running the Albert Square premises to Anne McCue, who has worked with him for 20 years.

A pupil of Stobswell School and Morgan Academy, Mr James started as a travel agent in 1966 at Morrison Pollexfen & Blair Ltd, which was next to Green’s Playhouse, and remained there for a couple of years before going on to work at WB Woolley. This was subsequently bought by DP&L Travel Ltd in 1975.

“I’ve seen a lot of changes since 1966—holidays then were to Great Yarmouth and Bournemouth,” said Mr James.

“Then there was the explosion of the overseas package holiday from the late 1960s to the boom of the 1970s, where everyone started heading to Spain for cheap rum and cola!”

He said the expansion of air travel was the biggest transformation he has seen within the travel industry over the years.

“In the 1960s most people went by boat, but as planes are so cost-efficient they brought the prices of holidays right down,” he continued.

A presentation is being held today at Discovery Quay to mark his retiral.

An active member of the Rotary Club of Dundee, Mr James is looking forward to spending more time on the golf course and has been a member of Downfield Golf Club since 1970.