Macao's benchmark tourism index goes back on the rise

Macao's tourist price index for 2017 rose 0.77 percent year-on-year to 131.87 after two years of decline, the special administrative region's statistics department announced earlier in January.

The latest report was issued by the Statistics and Census Service, also known as the DSEC.

It indicated that the increase in 2017 was mainly attributable to rising charges for hotel accommodation and restaurant services, and higher prices of local Chinese food products.

Meanwhile falling prices of clothing and handbags, as well as lower airfares, tapered off part of the increase.

Analyzed by goods and services, the price indices for restaurant services and accommodation grew 5.11 percent and 4.97 percent respectively year-on-year.

In contrast, those for clothing and footwear, transport and communications fell 7.16 percent and 6.52 percent respectively.

The DSEC report added that the general tourist price index for the fourth quarter of 2017 increased 5.59 percent year-on-year to 142.51, due to higher charges for hotel accommodation and restaurant services.

Among the various sections of goods and services, the accommodation price index recorded notable 20.84 percent growth. The transport and communications index gained 6.83 percent year-on-year, while the restaurant services measure was up 4.09 percent.

Meanwhile, the clothing and footwear price index registered a decrease of 4.84 percent.