Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that there were 211 travel agencies operating in 2013, an increase of 14 compared with 2012. At the end of 2013, number of persons engaged totalled 3,885, up by 6% year-on-year. Paid employees totalled 3,801 and 42% of them were working in 14 large travel agencies having 50 or more persons. Since travel agencies provided significantly more coach hire with driver to hotels and casinos, number of drivers employed increased by 4% year-on-year, at 1,176. Attributable to the sustained growth in inbound visitors on package tour and outbound travel of Macao residents, Receipts of travel agencies increased by 6% year-on-year to MOP 6.33 billion in 2013, generated primarily from Ticket Reservation (MOP 2.09 billion) and Package Tours (MOP 1.56 billion), up by 11% and 2% respectively; meanwhile, receipts from Room Reservation (MOP 1.31 billion) decreased by 7%. It is noteworthy that receipts from online business rose substantially by 35% year-on-year, at MOP 26.39 million. Expenditure of travel agencies amounted to MOP 6.08 billion, up by 7% year-on-year. Expenditure was mainly incurred on Purchase of Goods & Services and Commission Paid (MOP 4.88 billion), of which Ticket Reservation (MOP 2.00 billion), Room Reservation (MOP 1.38 billion) and Package Tours (MOP 1.32 billion) together accounted for 96%. Besides, Operating Expenses (MOP 625 million) and Compensation of Employees (MOP 571 million) increased by 12% and 10% respectively year-on-year. Gross Value Added that measures the sectoral contribution to the economy amounted to MOP 823 million, up by 5% year-on-year. Gross Fixed Capital Formation (MOP 240 million) went up by 45% year-on-year, on account of an increase in acquisition of property.
