Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the Tourist Price Index (TPI) for the fourth quarter of 2014 increased by 2.43% year-on-year to 145.71, attributable to rising charges for restaurant services and dearer prices of local food products. Notable increase was observed in the price index of Restaurant Services (+8.48%); Food, Alcoholic Drinks & Tobacco (+6.22%); Entertainment & Cultural Activities (+5.28%); and Clothing & Footwear (+4.42%). On the contrary, price index of Hotel Accommodation decreased by 2.65% year-on-year.

TPI for the fourth quarter of 2014 increased by 7.82% quarter-to-quarter. Soaring hotel room rates during the National Day holidays, the Macao Grand Prix and Christmas holidays pushed the price index of Accommodation up significantly by 24.43%. Price index of Clothing & Footwear; and Transport & Communications rose by 6.33% and 5.51% respectively upon new arrival of winter clothing, higher prices of ferry tickets to/from Hong Kong, and increased taxi fares. On the other hand, price index of Miscellaneous Goods; and Medicine & Personal Goods decreased by 1.67% and 0.45% respectively quarter-to-quarter.

The average TPI for the whole year of 2014 (139.60) increased by 5.15% year-on-year, with marked increase being recorded in the price index of Accommodation (+8.73%); Restaurant Services (+6.37%); Clothing & Footwear (+5.73%); and Food, Alcoholic Drinks & Tobacco (+5.22%). Meanwhile, price index of Transport & Communications; and Miscellaneous Goods decreased by 0.82% and 0.57% respectively year-on-year.

The 2009/2010-based TPI reflects the price change of goods and services purchased by visitors. Sections of TPI goods and services are selected according to 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.