Operators and travel associations hit-out against Trump’s so-called “travel ban” which bars immigrants and visitors from seven predominantly-Muslim countries from entering the US for 90 days.

David Scowsill, president and chief executive of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) said the restrictions had created “immense confusion among travellers and travel companies worldwide.”

“Many travellers have been unnecessarily disrupted, due to the unclear nature of the executive order, coupled with a lack of prior consultation and poor communication to airlines and border officials,” he argued in a statement.

“Preventing ‘aliens’ from entering the US for legitimate business or leisure purposes is misguided and counter-productive for the American economy.

“Our sector is responsible for the livelihoods of millions worldwide. The US has suffered in the past from similar isolationist policies.

“We urge the Trump administration to reconsider this ban.”

In an open letter published today, global managing director of Intrepid, James Thornton said the operator would "strongly urge" the White House to “reinstate the rights of migrants and foreign citizens to enter the United States.”

“We’ll be doing everything we can to help travellers and passengers affected by the current changes,” he wrote.

Thornton said the operator’s values of open borders and inclusiveness had “come under threat” since the regulations were put in place late last week.

“Intrepid stands against any policy that closes borders, separates families, discriminates against religion or demonises the less fortunate. As global travellers, as people with a conscience, this isn’t something we can sit and watch. Not in silence,” Thornton continued.

In June last year, he told TTG he believed tourism to the US would likely see a slump from the UK if Donald Trump won the US presidential election.

“I’ve travelled a lot, and it’s a privilege I do not take for granted. With every country visited, I learn something. With every meal shared, I become less ignorant, more inquisitive.

"Ultimately, it’s not governments or nations (or even executive orders) that have the greatest capacity for change. It’s ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Simple things. A traveller on a long and dusty road, swapping stories with a local.

“That’s how you beat prejudice. And it starts with all of us, right now,” he added.

The ban affects citizens of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.

Its creation has sparked widespread protests at airports across the US.

In a statement, the chief executive of US Airtours Guy Novik said the swift changes to US immigration control had been “communicated poorly” by the Trump administration and he believed the confusion of travellers could have a “negative effect" on potential tourists planning to visit the US in future.

“While the travel industry cannot control what message comes from the White House, it can collectively promote the USA as both a safe and welcoming country to visit,” Novik added.

Yesterday, Iata called for “clarity” from the US government to help ease the worries of travellers.

“The executive order was issued without prior coordination or warning, causing confusion among both airlines and travellers,” the association said in a statement.

“It placed additional burdens on airlines to comply with unclear requirements, to bear implementation costs and to face potential penalties for non-compliance.”