The line graph shows the number of overseas visitors who came to the UK for three purposes: holidays, business, and visiting friends or relatives, from 1989 to 2009.
Overall, holidays were the most popular reason for visiting the UK during the whole period. All three types of visits increased in general, although there were some changes over time.
In 1989, around 6.5 million people visited the UK for holidays. This number rose gradually and reached about 9.5 million in 1999. After that, it fell to nearly 7.5 million in 2004, before increasing again to around 9 million in 2009.
Business travel started at just over 5 million visitors in 1989. It decreased slightly in the early 1990s but then increased steadily to around 7 million in 1999. After a small drop, the number rose again and reached about 8 million in 2006, before falling to approximately 7 million at the end of the period.
Visits to friends or relatives were the lowest at the beginning, at about 3.5 million. This figure increased slowly until 2004, then decreased slightly by 2009.