That was the message from journalist Lewis Goodall, who addressed the Abta Travel Convention on Wednesday on the political and economic hurdles – at home and overseas – heading the industry’s way.

Goodall, former Newsnight policy editor and co-host of The News Agents podcast alongside Emily Maitlis and Jon Sopel, said that if Truss did survive until the next general election, the Conservative Party would become "even more embroiled" in party in-fighting.

"Your industry and others will want to get your needs across, but you could well find Number 10’s door increasingly closed,” said Goodall. He told delegates "normality just doesn’t exist anymore", describing 2013 as the UK’s last year free from important political events.

He characterised the travel sector “the canary in the coalmine” when it came to facing the aftershocks of domestic and international events, adding: “Travel thrives when politics is in the background.”

And while he urged travel companies to “be prepared” to face challenges in the coming months, including an impending economic slump and its subsequent impact on consumer confidence, he cautioned: "Things are so rapid – you might just have to roll with it."

"In gloomy times, people will want something to look forward to, but it’s about recognising the context in which your businesses are operating.”