Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that the Tourist Price Index (TPI) for the first quarter of 2019 went up by 0.72% year-on-year to 137.92. The increase was attributable to dearer prices of local food products and higher charges for hotel accommodation and restaurant services; yet, falling prices of clothing and handbags tapered off part of the increase. Among the various sections of goods and services, price index of Entertainment & Cultural Activities grew by 3.93% year-on-year due to rising prices of the Lunar New Year-related leisure goods (e.g. fireworks and firecrackers). Price indices of Accommodation and Food, Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco rose by 3.73% and 3.28% respectively. Meanwhile, price indices of Clothing & Footwear (-6.94%) and Miscellaneous Goods (-2.50%) saw decreases.
In comparison with the fourth quarter of 2018, TPI for the first quarter of 2019 dropped by 1.35%. Price indices of Clothing & Footwear and Accommodation fell by 8.58% and 1.61% respectively owing to seasonal sale of winter clothing and lower hotel room rates. On the other hand, price indices of Entertainment & Cultural Activities (+2.78%) and Food, Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco (+1.16%) registered growth.
The average TPI for the last four quarters ended the first quarter of 2019 increased by 0.55% from the previous period, with price indices of Food, Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco (+3.98%) and Entertainment & Cultural Activities (+2.43%) recording a notable rise. Meanwhile, price index of Clothing & Footwear (-5.15%) decreased.
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.
Detailed information on TPI is available in statistical tables and the Statistics Database on the DSEC website (www.dsec.gov.mo).