Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the Tourist Price Index (TPI) for the second quarter of 2013 increased by 6.08% year-on-year to 125.80, attributable to higher charges for hotel accommodation and restaurant services. Notable increase was observed in the price index of Food, Alcoholic Drinks & Tobacco (+9.62%); Accommodation (+8.56%) and Clothing & Footwear (+8.52%) on account of rising hotel room rate, as well as dearer prices of local food products, alcoholic beverages & tobacco and handbags. On the contrary, price index of Miscellaneous Goods decreased by 2.85% year-on-year.

TPI for the second quarter of 2013 decreased by 6.22% quarter-to-quarter, of which price index of Accommodation and Transport & Communications dropped by 23.06% and 6.43% respectively due to lower hotel room rate and airfare after the Lunar New Year. However, price index of Clothing & Footwear rose by 3.81% quarter-to-quarter.

The average TPI for the last four quarters ended the second quarter of 2013 increased by 5.47% from the previous period, with marked increase being observed in the price index of Clothing & Footwear (+13.16%); Food, Alcoholic Drinks & Tobacco (+8.13%); and Entertainment & Cultural Activities (+7.84%). For the first half year of 2013, TPI went up by 7.01% year-on-year, of which price index of Clothing & Footwear; Food, Alcoholic Drinks & Tobacco and Transport & Communications increased by 14.26%, 9.65% and 7.47% respectively.

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.