Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the TPI (134.15) for the first quarter of 2013 increased by 7.90% year-on-year under the influence of the Lunar New Year; the increment was attributable to higher hotel room rate and charges for restaurant services. Notable increase was observed in the price index of Clothing & Footwear (+20.91%); and Transport & Communications (+13.19%) on account of dearer prices of men's clothing, handbags and airfare. However, price index of Miscellaneous Goods decreased by 2.21% year-on-year.

TPI for the first quarter of 2013 rose by 0.28% quarter-to-quarter, of which price index of Transport & Communications; Food, Alcoholic Drinks & Tobacco; and Restaurant Services increased by 5.87%, 5.25% and 4.19% respectively due to increasing prices of local food products, as well as higher airfare and charges for restaurant services. On the contrary, price index of Clothing & Footwear and Miscellaneous Goods decreased by 6.68% and 2.87% respectively quarter-to-quarter.

The average TPI for the last four quarters ended the first quarter of 2013 increased by 5.57% from the previous period, with marked increase being observed in the price index of Clothing & Footwear (+14.00%); Restaurant Services (+9.88%); and Entertainment & Cultural Activities (+8.80%). However, price index of Hotel Accommodation decreased by 1.18%.

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.