Holiday Extras National Press

Selling airport parking and hotel accommodation might not be as glamorous as working in a Mediterranean holiday resort, but it does offer some attractive opportunities. More people are booking their own trips over the internet and the days of the traditional rep seem numbered. Despite this, all is not gloom.

Anthony Clarke Cowell, 29, joined Holiday Extras which specialises in the sale of airport parking, hotel beds and cut-price hotel deals.

'The atmosphere in our office is fantastic,' he says. 'I'm lucky to work with great people. The company really looks after you and it's a very sociable atmosphere. I even met my wife here.'

Richard English, managing director of Retraining, which trains people for jobs in travel firms, says there are more opportunities than ever before among companies operating on the periphery of the industry. 'Firms that specialise in the extras or add-ons you need for a holiday have grown because people say "please, sort it out for me".' he says.

But anthony admits there are some downsides to his job. 'Most of my friends ask me if I can get free flights to Australia,' he says. 'They seem a little disappointed when I say "no, but I might be able to get you a cheap hotel room in Cardiff".'

Article written by Jeremy Skidmore - The Mail on Sunday.

By: Barry Holloway