Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the Tourist Price Index (TPI) for the first quarter of 2016 decreased further by 6.67% year-on-year to 136.44, attributable to lower charges for hotel accommodation, and reduced prices of handbags and women’s clothing. Price index of Accommodation decreased most significantly by 23.80% year-on-year, followed by Entertainment & Cultural Activities (-2.35%) and Clothing & Footwear (-1.98%). On the contrary, price index of Food, Alcoholic Drinks & Tobacco increased by 3.77% and that of Transport & Communications rose by 2.31%.

In comparison with the fourth quarter of 2015, TPI for the first quarter of 2016 decreased by 3.43%. Price index of Accommodation and Clothing & Footwear dropped by 11.81% and 5.70% respectively due to lower hotel room rates, as well as seasonal sale of handbags and winter clothing & footwear. However, higher airfare to/from Southeast Asia during the Lunar New Year drove up the price index of Transport & Communications by 5.89% quarter-to-quarter.

The average TPI for the last four quarters ended the first quarter of 2016 fell by 2.99% from the previous period, of which price index of Accommodation and Clothing & Footwear decreased by 12.70% and 3.50%. Meanwhile, price index of Food, Alcoholic Drinks & Tobacco; Restaurant Services; and Entertainment & Cultural Activities increased by 4.49%, 2.46% and 2.30% respectively.

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.