David Holland, sales manager at tour operator African Pride, said that in an uncertain world consumers would look to travel experts for advice.

Holland was speaking at the Aito Agents Domestic Conference, on an industry issues panel.

“Looking at it from an industry perspective and a travel agent perspective: people will always want to travel. You will always have clients who want to go on holiday,” he said.

“They [customers] may not necessarily at this time want to go to certain destinations because of issues or perception of issues. From a travel agent perspective you’re in a very strong position. You can advise and guide and influence people.”

“I think this is very much where travel agents can come into the fore by using their knowledge and experience to advise and direct their clients.”

Last year saw problems in mainstream destinations such as Greece, Tunisia, Turkey and Egypt.

Carole Short, head of retail sales and development at Hertfordshire-based Beaver Travel, said: “You just have to make sure you keep your clients informed, reassure them and make sure you are here for them.”

Carolyn Park, director at C The World Travel in Avon, said that a sense of perspective was required.

“We do tend to remind people to look at other country’s foreign office advice for visiting the UK because it’s not great either,” she said.

Sunvil and Abta chairman Noel Josephides urged people to rely on advice from regulatory bodies rather than the tabloid press.

“I think just keep a level head and realise that these people are there to sell newspapers and so they have to exaggerate because bad news does sell.”