Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the Tourist Price Index (TPI) for the second quarter of 2012 increased by 6.57% year-on-year to 118.59. Price index of Restaurant Services (+18.02%); Entertainment & Cultural Activities (+11.91%); and Clothing & Footwear (+11.39%) registered notable year-on-year increase on account of higher charges for restaurant services and entertainment, as well as dearer prices of women’s clothing. However, price index of Accommodation Services decreased by 6.38% year-on-year.

TPI for the second quarter of 2012 decreased by 4.62% quarter-to-quarter, of which the price index of Accommodation Services slid by 24.64% due to lower room rate after the Lunar New Year. On the contrary, price index of Clothing & Footwear increased by 15.66% quarter-to-quarter.

The average TPI for the last four quarters ended the second quarter of 2012 increased by 12.91% from the previous period, with marked increase being observed in the price index of Accommodation (+18.97%); Restaurant Services (+17.43%); and Miscellaneous Goods (+16.48%). For the first half year of 2012, TPI went up by 8.37% year-on-year, with index of Restaurant Services; Entertainment & Cultural Activities; and Miscellaneous Goods increasing by 18.31%, 13.47% and 12.85% respectively.

The 2009/2010-based TPI reflects the price changes of goods and services purchased by visitors. Sections of TPI goods and services are based on 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.