Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the Tourist Price Index (TPI) for the third quarter of 2012 increased by 3.36% year-on-year to 120.54, attributable to rising charges for restaurant services and dearer prices of clothing. In comparison with the third quarter of 2011, notable increase was observed in the price index of Entertainment & Cultural Activities (+10.65%); Restaurant Services (+10.31%); and Clothing & Footwear (+7.35%) on account of higher charges for entertainment and restaurant services, as well as dearer prices of women's clothing. On the contrary, price index of Accommodation decreased by 3.52% year-on-year. TPI for the third quarter of 2012 increased by 1.64% quarter-to-quarter, of which the price index of Accommodation rose by 7.98%. On the contrary, price index of Clothing & Footwear decreased by 3.30% quarter-to-quarter upon seasonal sale of Summer clothing. The average TPI for the last four quarters ended the third quarter of 2012 increased by 9.59% from the previous period, with marked increase being observed in the price index of Restaurant Services (+16.37%); Entertainment & Cultural Activities (+12.58%); and Miscellaneous Goods (+9.67%). For the first three quarters of 2012, TPI went up by 6.66% year-on-year, with index of Restaurant Services; Entertainment & Cultural Activities; and Miscellaneous Goods increasing by 15.50%, 12.51% and 8.15% 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.
