Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the Tourist Price Index (TPI) for the third quarter of 2013 increased by 6.89% year-on-year to 128.84, attributable to higher hotel room rate and charges for restaurant services. Notable increase was observed in the price index of Accommodation (+10.03%); Clothing & Footwear (+9.67%); and Food, Alcoholic Drinks & Tobacco (+8.98%) on account of rising room rate, dearer prices of handbag and local food products. On the contrary, price index of Miscellaneous Goods decreased by 3.10% year-on-year.

TPI for the third quarter of 2013 increased by 2.41% quarter-to-quarter. Higher room rate and airfare during the Summer holiday pushed up the price index of Accommodation; and Transport & Communications by 9.45% and 4.97% respectively; however, price index of Clothing & Footwear decreased by 2.27% quarter-to-quarter due to seasonal sale of Summer clothing.

The average TPI for the last four quarters ended the third quarter of 2013 increased by 6.31% from the previous period, with marked increase being observed in the price index of Clothing & Footwear (+13.65%); and Food, Alcoholic Drinks & Tobacco (+8.66%). For the first three quarters of 2013, TPI went up by 6.97% year-on-year, of which price index of Clothing & Footwear; Food, Alcoholic Drinks & Tobacco; and Accommodation increased by 12.70%, 9.42% and 8.16% 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.