Tourism in the UK

Tourism in the UK

Tourists actually love the UK, and they make a big contribution to the economy - around 3% of the GDP.  In 2008, there were 32 million visitors to the UK. It's popular for many reasons, but here are a few: Countryside (eg. national parks - Dartmoor, the Peak District etc) Historic landmarks (eg. Stonehenge)  Churches and cathedrals (eg. Exeter Cathedral) Castles and palaces (eg. Buckingham Palace)

London and more

London is particularly popular for its museums, theatres and shopping. It's the destination of half of all visitors to the UK. In 2007, tourism contributed £114 billion to the economy and employed 1.4 million people.

Things affecting visitor numbers

Weather - bad weather doesn't just irritate locals. In 2007, a wet summer was blamed for the lack of tourists. World economy - in a time of recession, people tend to cut back on luxuries, so fewer overseas visitors come to the UK - but people in the UK still choose to have a holiday closer to the UK or inside it. Exchange rate - if it's low, the UK is cheaper to visit,, so there are more overseas visitors. Terrorism and conflict - wars and terrorist threats mean people are less likely to visit affected areas, Tourism fell in 2005 after the London bombings. Major events - attract huge numbers of people! For example, in 2008, Liverpool was the European Capital of Culture and as a result, 3.5 million people visited who hadn't been there before.

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The Butler Model

This is the Butler Model. It shows the number of tourists as time goes on and the different stages that a resort goes through...

Caption: : Butler Model

Stage one - EXPLORATION

A small number of visitors are attracted, but there are not many facilities for tourists.

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Stage 2 - INVOLVEMENT

Local people start providing facilities, so more visitors are attracted

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Stage 3 - DEVELOPMENT

More visitors come as more facilities are made. These facilities are made and owned by big companies, so control is out of control of the locals.

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Stage 4 - CONSOLIDATION

Tourism is now a big part of the economy, but numbers are beginning to level off.

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Stage 5 - STAGNATION

Visitor number have peaked, but the facilities aren't as good anymore and the environment has been significantly damaged.

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Stage 7 - REJUVENATION/DECLINE

Rejuvenation is when the resort or area is completely renewed - new facilities and infrastructure attract a new generation of visitors.

Decline is when the area is now a lot less attractive to visitors and in turn becomes a little bit derelict. Visitor numbers - you guessed it - decline.