Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that the Tourist Price Index (TPI) for the third quarter of 2010 rose by 11.16% year-on-year to 164.15. The price indices of Miscellaneous Goods (+22.74%), Accommodation (+14.20%), Restaurant Services (+5.44%), and Transport & Communications (+5.15%) recorded notable increases, attributable to dearer prices of gold jewellery and airfare, as well as higher hotel room rates and charges for restaurant services. On the contrary, price index of Entertainment & Cultural Activities decreased by 0.44% year-on-year.

For the third quarter of 2010, TPI went up slightly by 0.07% quarter-to-quarter, of which the price indices of Miscellaneous Goods; and Clothing & Footwear increased by 2.14% and 1.76% respectively, on account of rising prices of gold jewellery and new arrivals of adults’ clothing. However, price index of Accommodation dropped by 7.72% as a result of lower hotel room rates compared with the second quarter.

The average TPI for the last 4 quarters ended the third quarter of 2010 rose by 10.52% from the preceding period, with marked increase observed in the indices of Miscellaneous Goods (+22.86%); Accommodation (+13.96%); Food, Alcoholic Drinks & Tobacco (+4.65%); and Restaurant Services (+4.53%). For the first three quarters of 2010, TPI went up by 10.95% year-on-year, of which the price indices of Miscellaneous Goods and Accommodation surged by 21.86% and 14.26%, respectively.

TPI reflects the price changes of goods and services purchased by visitors, which is compiled according to the consumption pattern of visitors. TPI covers 8 sections of goods and services, namely Food, Alcoholic Drinks & Tobacco; Clothing & Footwear; Accommodation; Restaurant Services; Transport & Communications; Medicine & Personal Goods; Entertainment & Cultural Activities; and Miscellaneous Goods. The base period of TPI is from July 1999 to June 2000.