The line graph delineates the varying reasons for foreign inhabitants traveling to the UK from 2000 to 2016.
From a general perspective, it is evident that the number of visitors for all purposes escalated over the period, with holidays being the predominant reason throughout. Interestingly, the number of people visiting friends or relatives also saw a significant increase.
In more detail, the number of holidaymakers showed a steady increase from just over 5 million in 2000 to approximately 14 million in 2016. Similarly, the figures for those visiting friends or relatives also rose steadily from around 3 million to just under 9 million over the same period.
In contrast, the number of business visitors fluctuated, peaking at around 5 million in 2005 before declining to just over 3 million in 2016. The least common reason for visiting the UK was for study, which saw a slight increase from just under 1 million in 2000 to around 2 million in 2016.
