The Number of Overseas Visitors to the UK for Different Purposes (1989-2009)

The table provides data on the number of overseas visitors who traveled to the UK for various purposes between 1989 and 2009. Overall, it can be observed that the number of visitors increased significantly over the 20-year period, with the highest number of visitors coming for holidays and business purposes. In 1989, the UK welcomed approximately 10 million visitors for holidays, which was the highest number among all purposes. This figure steadily increased over the years, reaching a peak of around 30 million visitors in 2009. Similarly, the number of visitors for business purposes also experienced a steady growth, starting at around 5 million in 1989 and reaching approximately 15 million in 2009. On the other hand, the number of visitors for visiting friends and relatives remained relatively stable throughout the period, fluctuating between 5 and 10 million. Education-related visits, however, saw a significant increase from around 1 million in 1989 to approximately 5 million in 2009. In conclusion, the number of overseas visitors to the UK increased significantly between 1989 and 2009, with holidays and business being the primary purposes for travel. The data also highlights the growing importance of education-related visits during this period.