Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the Tourist Price Index (TPI) for the second quarter of 2014 increased by 6.14% year-on-year to 133.52, attributable to higher charges for hotel accommodation and restaurant services, as well as dearer prices of clothing and local food products. Notable increase was observed in the price index of Accommodation (+12.63%); Clothing & Footwear (+7.08%); Food, Alcoholic Drinks & Tobacco (+5.39%); and Restaurant Services (+5.36%). On the contrary, price index of Miscellaneous Goods decreased by 0.13% year-on-year. TPI for the second quarter of 2014 decreased by 7.29% quarter-to-quarter. Price index of Accommodation and Transport & Communications dropped by 28.26% and 2.13% respectively on account of a smaller rise in hotel room rate and airfare during the Easter holidays compared with those in the Lunar New Year. Meanwhile, dearer prices of Summer clothing and handbags drove up the price index of Clothing & Footwear by 8.33% quarter-to-quarter. The average TPI for the last four quarters ended the second quarter of 2014 increased by 6.68% from the previous period, with marked increase being observed in the price index of Accommodation (+14.57%); Food, Alcoholic Drinks & Tobacco (+7.04%); Clothing & Footwear (+6.00%); and Restaurant Services (+5.63%). For the first half year of 2014, TPI went up by 6.76% year-on-year, of which price index of Accommodation; Food, Alcoholic Drinks & Tobacco; and Clothing & Footwear increased by 17.25%, 5.51% and 4.89% 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.
