Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the Tourist Price Index (TPI) for the fourth quarter of 2012 increased by 4.45% year-on-year to 133.78, attributable to dearer prices of handbags and rising charges for restaurant services. Notable increase was observed in the price index of Clothing & Footwear (+16.46%); Transport & Communications (+7.15%); and Entertainment & Cultural Activities (+6.73%) on account of rising prices of handbags, as well as higher charges for outbound transport and entertainment services. Price index of hotel rooms decreased by 2.40% year-on-year.

The average TPI (124.31) for the whole year of 2012 increased by 6.05% year-on-year, with marked increase being recorded in the price index of Restaurant Services (+12.98%); Entertainment & Cultural Activities (+10.97%); and Clothing & Footwear (+10.16%); however, price index of hotel rooms decreased by 0.63%.

TPI for the fourth quarter of 2012 rose by 10.99% quarter-to-quarter, of which hotel room rate increased notably during the National Day holidays, the Macao Grand Prix, Christmas break and New Year’s Eve, pushing up the price index of Accommodation by 31.92%. Price index of Clothing & Footwear increased by 15.84% quarter-to-quarter upon new arrival of Winter clothing.

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.