Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the average Tourist Price Index (TPI) for the whole year of 2015 (138.39) decreased by 0.86% year-on-year, the first annual decline recorded since the index was first published. Price index of Accommodation dropped by 7.08% year-on-year, while that of Food, Alcoholic Drinks & Tobacco; Entertainment & Cultural Activities; and Restaurant Services increased by 4.53%, 4.22% and 4.02% respectively.

TPI for the fourth quarter of 2015 (141.29) decreased by 3.03% year-on-year, attributable to lower charges for hotel accommodation and reduced prices of clothing. Notable decrease was observed in the price index of Accommodation (-10.34%), Clothing & Footwear (-4.18%) and Transport & Communications (-2.08%); on the contrary, price index of Food, Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco and Entertainment & Cultural Activities increased by 3.86% and 2.89% respectively.

TPI for the fourth quarter of 2015 increased by 7.48% quarter-to-quarter. Price index of Accommodation and Clothing & Footwear rose by 25.19% and 9.50% respectively due to higher hotel room rates during the National Day holidays, the Macao Grand Prix and Christmas holidays, as well as new arrival of winter clothing. Meanwhile, lower airfare to/from Southeast Asia drove down the price index of Transport & Communications by 0.60% quarter-to-quarter.

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.