T+-+Managing+Tourism+in+the+UK

__**The growth of tourism in the UK**__

Almost all UK tourism used to be domestic - British people holidaying in the UK. Only the wealthy and privileged were able to go abroad. DOmestic holidays can be cheap or expensive. Camping costs little but staying in good quality hotels cost more than similar ones in other countries.

Domestic tourism grew quickly in the 1950s and 1960s as the growing UK economy provided higher pay and more time off work. Having an annual holiday became common. UK seaside holidays peaked in the early to mid-1970s, with 40 million visitors annually. In the 1980s, Britains seaside resorts declined as package holidays abroad grew in number and affordability. Tourist started going to Spain as it was cheaper and has better weather than the UK. Hotels in the UK were forced to survive by housing the homless during the 1980s, decreasing their reputation even more.

In the UK, it earns over £80 billion every year from tourism and leisure. The UK attracts 27.7 million overseas visitors who spend over £13 billion of the £80 billion. Restaurants and hotels contributed £20 billion and £16 billion respectively.


 * __The Butler tourist resort life-cycle model__**

The powerpoint slideshow below describes the Butler model and how the stages change overtime.

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__**External factors affecting UK tourism in the early 21st century**__

Tourism can be limited by political and econmic situations. Two key issues have caused difficulties in the early 21st century.

Terrorism - this limited the number of tourism visiting a country. This could be as a result of the tourists fear of the attack happening again or increased security checks have led to increased waiting at airports and this can put people off from travelling.

Exchange rates and the banking crisis - currency exchange rates control value for money for tourists on holiday. In 2009 the euro was high against the pound and at one point equal to that of £1, so holidaying in France and other Eurozone countries became more expensive. At the same time, the US dollar was valued at almost two to the pound, making the USA a much more attractive holiday destination.

The banking crisis of autumn 2008 may mean people have less money to spend. People may reduce the number of holidays they take or even manage without one until the economic situation improves. On the other hand, the weaker pound should attract more foreign visitors in 2009.