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Independent operators can be successful in Trump era, Aito insists

Government
Gary Noakes
7 March 2025

Travel faces an uncertain 2025 but independent operators are well placed to ride out any knock-on effects for travel, an Aito meeting has concluded.

Just hours into his presidency Donald Trump signed two executive orders targeting “radical and wasteful” DEI programmes (Credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

Donald Trump's second term has had a destabilising effect for the Irish market (Credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

The actions of Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin – plus the situation in Gaza – have created an unpredictable geo-political situation that could have potentially damaging consequences for international travel. 

Aito chair Chris Rowles said there was uncertainty about the future with Donald Trump’s “tariffs and land grabs”. “But I think there is reassurances there as well; so many people say business is good, people are still wanting to travel. If it’s not safe, they travel somewhere else and then they come back when it is safe,” he said.

He told an Aito meeting in London: “If all of you came out of Covid I don’t know what Trump can throw at you to damage you.”