It was put to the test again last week, after the latest terror atrocity, which this time took place in Barcelona.

But the message from short break specialists when TTG approached them in the aftermath of the latest devastating terror attacks was one of defiance.

It is why less than 24 hours after a van ploughed down Las Ramblas into pedestrians, stall-holders opened up for business and tourists returned.

It is also why despite a handful of cancellations, operators remain confident that the recent tragedy is unlikely to impact sales to Spain.

The news will be reassuring for another destination that has suffered at the hands of terrorists, Tunisia, which was attacked in June 2015.

In the past two months though, both the UK and Ireland have lifted their travel restrictions – the last European countries to do so – with Tunisia specialists quick to reinstate their programmes.

And this week Thomas Cook announced its return to the destination from next February – with an expanded programme for summer 2018. It is a significant step; not only does it demonstrate the travel giant’s confidence in Tunisia’s safety, it also suggests the operator is confident of customer demand.

The challenge will be in how far this demand translates into bookings. Agents reacted positively to Cook’s news, but a TTG poll this week suggests Tunisia may still have its work cut out convincing customers it is a safe place to holiday.

The British traveller might be resilient, but the FCO’s delay in lifting its travel advisory for Tunisia will have given would-be holidaymakers pause for thought.

It is an issue that will be discussed at the latest TTG Debate on September 12, but this week’s developments from Cook suggest the travel industry at least, is giving the adage of resilience the chance to ring true.