Tourism sector remains resilient irrespective of increasing food costs Rising food price inflation which is currently driving the increase in operating costs will not severely affect the tourism sector due to its continued resilience and increasing foreign arrivals boosted by the weak Rand.   The latest figures from the TBCSA Tourism Business Index (“TBI”) revealed that the sector performed steadily in the first quarter of the year regardless of tough business conditions. Charnel Kara, Tourism Specialist at FNB Business, says the recent drought which has led to a surge in food prices, coupled with broader economic challenges are placing strain on the bottom line of many tourism operators. The situation is further exacerbated by a drop in domestic tourism activities and high operating costs, driven by factors such as increasing electricity tariffs and high labour costs. “Despite the current challenges, the travel and tourism sector is still showing strong performance, especia...