The line graph illustrates the number of visits to and from the UK between 1979 and 1999, while the bar chart details the most popular destinations for UK residents in the final year of that period.
Overall, both travel categories experienced significant growth over the two decades, with UK residents consistently travelling abroad more than overseas visitors travelled to the UK. By 1999, France was the most popular destination for British travellers.
In 1979, 13 million UK residents travelled abroad, a figure that rose steadily to 19 million by 1984. Growth accelerated thereafter, reaching 30 million in 1989 and peaking at 53 million in 1999. Conversely, visits to the UK by overseas residents started at 10 million in 1979 and followed a similar upward trend, albeit at a slower pace, reaching 26 million by 1999.
Regarding the most popular countries visited by UK residents in 1999, France was the clear leader with 11 million visitors. Spain followed with 9.5 million, while the USA and Greece attracted 3.5 million and 3 million visitors respectively. Turkey was the least popular of the listed destinations, recording 2 million visits.