Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the Tourist Price Index (TPI) for the third quarter of 2014 increased by 4.89% year-on-year to 135.14, attributable to higher charges for hotel accommodation and restaurant services, as well as dearer prices of clothing and handbags. Notable increase was observed in the price index of Clothing & Footwear (+8.85%); Restaurant Services (+7.97%); and Accommodation (+6.29%). On the contrary, price index of Transport & Communications decreased by 4.60% year-on-year.

TPI for the third quarter of 2014 increased by 1.21% quarter-to-quarter, of which price index of Restaurant Services and Accommodation rose by 3.46% and 3.29% respectively due to higher hotel room rate and rising charges for restaurant services during the Summer holidays. However, price index of Transport & Communications; Food, Alcoholic Drinks & Tobacco; and Clothing & Footwear dropped by 1.36%, 1.00% and 0.66% quarter-to-quarter respectively on account of lower airfare, reduced prices of local food products, and seasonal sale of Summer clothing.

The average TPI for the last four quarters ended the third quarter of 2014 increased by 6.19% from the previous period, with marked increase being observed in the price index of Accommodation (+13.61%); Clothing & Footwear (+5.88%); Restaurant Services (+5.86%); and Food, Alcoholic Drinks & Tobacco (+5.70%). For the first three quarters of 2014, TPI went up by 6.14% year-on-year, of which price index of Accommodation; Clothing & Footwear; and Restaurant Services increased by 13.72%, 6.21% and 5.65% 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.