Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that lower charges for hotel accommodation and reduced prices of clothing brought the Tourist Price Index (TPI) for the third quarter of 2015 down by 2.72% year-on-year to 131.46, the first decline since the third quarter of 2002. Notable decrease was observed in the price index of Accommodation (-10.88%) and Clothing & Footwear (-6.96%); meanwhile, price index of Food, Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco; Transport & Communications; and Entertainment & Cultural Activities increased by 5.87%, 3.94% and 3.14% respectively.

TPI for the third quarter of 2015 dropped by 2.34% quarter-to-quarter. Price index of Clothing & Footwear and Accommodation fell by 6.78% and 5.28% respectively due to seasonal sale of ladies’ summer clothing and lower hotel room rate. However, higher airfare drove up the price index of Transport & Communications by 1.67% quarter-to-quarter.

The average TPI for the last four quarters ended the third quarter of 2015 increased by 0.55% from the previous period, with marked increase being observed in the price index of Restaurant Services (+5.78%); Food, Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco (+5.12%); and Entertainment & Cultural Activities (+4.82%). For the first three quarters of 2015, TPI went down by 0.10% year-on-year, of which price index of Accommodation decreased by 5.86%; meanwhile, price index of Restaurant Services and Food, Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco increased by 4.92% and 4.76% respectively.

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.