The line graph illustrates the comparing of the number of international visitors traveling to the UK for three different reasons Business, Holiday, and Meeting friends and relatives since from 1989 to 2009.
Overall, the number of visitors in all three categories increased by the end of the period. Although the number of people traveling for holidays fluctuated significantly, it remained the most popular reason for visiting the UK for most of the time.
In 1989, about 6.5 million people visited the UK for a holiday. This figure stayed stable until 1992, then rose sharply to a peak of 9 million in 1994. After that, the number of visitors fell to 6.5 million in 2004, before increasing again to reach 9 million once more by 2009. GREAT
The figures of business and visiting friends and relatives showed a more fairly steady upward trend. Business travel stood at 5 million, dipped slightly in 1992, and then was growing to 7 million in 2009. Similarly, the number of people meeting friends and relatives began at the lowest point around 3.5 million but increased consistently through the years. By 2009, this figure had nearly doubled reaching 6 million, despite a small drop in the final year.