Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the Tourist Price Index (TPI) for the first quarter of 2012 increased by 10.15% year-on-year to 124.33, attributable to rising price indices of restaurant services and accommodation. Increasing hotel room rate, higher charges of restaurant services and entertainment in the Lunar New Year, as well as dearer prices of gold jewellery pushed up the price index of Restaurant Services (+18.60%); Entertainment & Cultural Activities (+15.09%); Miscellaneous Goods (+14.55%); and Accommodation (+9.20%) to register notable year-on-year increase.

TPI for the first quarter of 2012 decreased by 2.93% quarter-to-quarter, of which the price index of Clothing & Footwear; and Accommodation dropped by 10.12% and 9.08% respectively on account of lower hotel room rate compared with previous quarter, seasonal sale of men and women’s clothing. On the contrary, price index of Restaurant Services increased by 4.20% quarter-to-quarter.

The average TPI for the last four quarters ended the first quarter of 2012 increased by 14.24% from the previous period, with marked increase being observed in the price index of Accommodation (+28.25%); Miscellaneous Goods (+17.99%); and Restaurant Services (+14.58%).

The 2009/2010-based TPI reflects the price changes of goods and services purchased by visitors. Sections of TPI goods and services are based on the consumption pattern of visitors, namely Food, Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco; Clothing & Footwear; Accommodation; Restaurant Services; Transport & Communications; Medicine & Personal Goods; Entertainment & Cultural Activities; and Miscellaneous Goods.