The figure illustrates the number of foreigners who visited the UK according to three purposes-visit to friends or relatives, business, and holiday-between 1989 and 2009. Overall, the number of overseas visitors who came to the UK has risen throughout the years. However, holiday purpose consistently becomes the main reason they arrive in the UK.
There were about 14 million foreigners coming to the UK in 1989. Holiday was the main reason, contributing to approximately 6 million visitors. It was then followed by business purposes which provided 5 million. The last was for visiting friend or relatives purposes in which 3 million foreigners came to the UK for this reason.
The number has actually increased throughout the years for every reason. In 2009, the number achieved 18 million foreigners. While People coming to the UK for holiday purposes achieved their peak in 1999, visiting friends and relatives got their top in 2004. Business then followed by achieving their highest position between 2004 and 2009. Nevertheless, holiday remains the main purpose foreigners came to the UK.