Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the Tourist Price Index (TPI) for the second quarter of 2015 increased by 0.82% year-on-year to 134.61, attributable to rising charges for restaurant services and dearer prices of local food products. Notable increase was observed in the price index of Entertainment & Cultural Activities (+5.74%); Restaurant Services (+5.13%); and Food, Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco (+4.50%). On the contrary, price index of Accommodation decreased by 2.82% year-on-year due to lower room rates for three-and four-star hotels.

TPI for the second quarter of 2015 dropped by 7.92% quarter-to-quarter. Price index of Accommodation and Transport & Communications fell by 27.13% and 4.40% respectively on account of lower hotel room rate and airfare after the Lunar New Year. However, dearer prices of local food products drove up the price index of Food, Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco by 2.46% quarter-to-quarter.

The average TPI for the last four quarters ended the second quarter of 2015 increased by 2.37% from the previous period, with marked increase being observed in the price index of Restaurant Services (+7.34%); Entertainment & Cultural Activities (+5.32%); Food, Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco (+4.56%); and Clothing & Footwear (+4.36%). For the first half year of 2015, TPI went up by 1.18% year-on-year, of which price index of Restaurant Services; Entertainment & Cultural Activities; and Food, Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco increased by 6.48%, 5.46% and 4.21% respectively. Meanwhile, price index of Accommodation decreased by 3.70% year-on-year.

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.