The line graph illustrates the number of visitors to the UK from 1989 to 2009.
Overall, all categories experienced growth, albeit to varying extents. Visitors who came for holidays consistently made up the majority, while business travelers and visitors to friends and relatives rose more steadily but remained significantly lower.
The number of holidaymakers in the UK was more than others. Starting at just over 6 million in 1989, it trended upwards to 7 million in 1994. After a gradual rise the growth accelerated and reached just under 10 million in 1999. However, this peak was short-lived as the figure dropped under 8 million in 2004, before rebounding to just under 10 million by 2009.
Foreigners traveling for business illustrated a more fluctuating pattern. The number of such visitors began at over 5 million in 1989, after which it decreased to 4 million in 1993. Despite this drop, it surged to 7 million in 1999, remaining steady until 2004. From there, the figure rose, hitting its peak at 8 million in 2007. However, it retreated to 7 million by 2009.
Lastly, those visiting their friends or relatives remained the smallest group. At first, their number stood at just under 4 million, growing steadily to 7 million by 2004, matching the count of business trips. This rise was then followed by a notable fall to 6 million at the end, remaining the smallest group.