Information from the Statistics and Census Service indicated that there were 186 travel agencies operating in 2011, up by 9 compared with 2010. At the end of 2011, a total of 3,379 persons were engaged in travel agencies, an increase of 11% year-on-year. Sales & Other Receipts increased by 17% year-on-year to MOP 5.54 billion. Receipts from Reservation of Tickets (MOP 1.88 billion), Package Tours (MOP 1.38 billion) and Reservation of Rooms (MOP 1.37 billion) together accounted for 84% of the total. Total Expenditure of travel agencies amounted to MOP 5.36 billion, up by 18% year-on-year. Analysed by expenditure items, Purchase of Goods & Services (including tickets, package tours and room reservation) reached MOP 4.46 billion, up by 14% from 2010, of which Purchase of air, train & bus and ferry tickets amounted to MOP 1.85 billion. Besides, Operating Expenses (MOP 455 million) and Compensation of Employees (MOP 445 million) rose by 77% and 21% respectively year-on-year. In 2011, Gross Fixed Capital Formation of travel agencies surged by 236% over 2010 to MOP 200 million on account of acquisition of assets by some travel agencies. Gross Value Added that measures the sectoral contribution to the economy increased by 10% year-on-year to MOP 619 million.
