The line graph compares the number of visitors to the UK for business, holiday, and visiting friends or relatives between 1989 and 2009, measured in millions.
Overall, all three categories experienced growth over the period, although the extent varied. Business travel accounted for the largest share in the earlier years, but holiday visits overtook it towards the end of the period. By contrast, trips to meet friends and relatives consistently remained the least common reason for visiting.
In 1989, approximately 6.5 million people travelled to the UK for holidays. This figure rose steadily to a peak of around 9 million in 1996 before declining to its starting level by 2004. From then on, numbers increased again, ending the period at just over 9 million, making it the highest among all categories.
Business travel began at about 5 million visitors and saw a slight drop to 4 million in the early 1990s. It then rose sharply, reaching its peak of 8 million in 2008, before falling marginally in the final year. Meanwhile, visits to friends and relatives started at 3.5 million and grew gradually, matching the business travel figure of around 7 million in 2008, followed by a small decline in 2009.