Band 7+: The table shows overseas visitors to London and other parts of the UK in 1996 and 2001. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

The table compares the percentage of foreign travellers and the UK travellers in London city over a 5-year period, starting from 1996.

Overall, the table chart highlights significant variations in visitors, where overseas visitors recorded the highest number, while the United Kingdom experienced the fewest visitors. Furthermore, holiday was the most common reason for all travellers.

In terms of foreign visitors, the total number stood at 10,500,000 in 1996, which increased to 12,300,000 by 2001. Regarding reasons for visiting in 1996, holiday accounted for the highest proportion, at 45%, followed by meeting friends and relatives at 25%, and business or conference at 20%. The figure for other reasons, however, was lowest, at only 10%. By 2001, the percentages for holiday and meeting friends and relatives rose to 48% and 27% respectively, whereas business/ conference decreased to 17%. Other reasons, on the other hand, showed a slight decline, falling 8%.

As for the UK visitors, in 1996, the total number grew from 8,200,000 to 9,600,000 by 2001. In 1996, the highest percentage of reason for visiting the UK was holiday, standing at 40%, compared with 30% visitors chose meeting with friends and relatives. This was comparatively higher than the proportion for business and other, at just 18% and 12%. By 2001, almost all percentages except other reasons represented a dramatic growth, holiday with 43%, hang out with friends and relatives with 32%.