Only the wealthy and privileged were international tourists.
Domestic tourism can be cheap or expensive. Camping costs little, but good-quality hotels cost more than similar ones in different countries.
Domestic tourism grew quickly in the 1950s and 60s as the growing UK economy provided higher pay and more time off work, meaning that an annual holiday became more common.
UK seaside holidays peaked in the early-mid 1970s, with 40 million visitors annually.
After that, Britain's seaside resorts declined as:
Package holidays abroad grew in number and affordability, and guaranteed hot weather (British weather was seen as unreliable).
If was often cheaper to go to a Spanish resort like Benidorm than to holiday in the UK.
Many small hotels were forced to survive by housing the homeless during the 1980s, decreasing their reputation even more.
The Contribution of Tourism to the UK Economy
The UK economy earns over £80 billion every years from tourism and leisure.
This amount usually grows slightly annually.
Around 27.7 million overseas visitors spend over £13 billion of this sum.
Restaurants and hotels make up a large proportion of these earnings, at £20 billion and £16 billion respectively.
More than 100 new hotels opened in the UK between September 2004 and December 2005, creating more jobs and income.
The London Eye is the most visited paying attraction in the UK, with 3.7million visitors each year.
External Factors Affecting UK Tourism in the Early 21st Century
Terrorism The destruction of the World Trade Center in New York on the 11th of September 2001 had a huge impact on travel. The USA stepped up its security overnight, as did the UK and EU. Airport security checks have multiplied and check-in times increased. London is a terrorist target: the Underground bombings of 7th July 2005 is an example. In the aftermath of such events, visitor numbers decline sharply.
Exchange Rates and the Banking Crisis Currency exchange rates control value for tourists on holiday. In 2008 the euro was high against the pound, valued at around 79p (68p previously), so holidaying in France and other Eurozone countries became more expensive. At the same time, the US dollar was valued almost 2 to the pound, making the USA a much more attractive holiday destination. In 2009 exchange rates made the UK an attractive destination for visitors from abroad. Banking crises may mean people have less money to spend, so may reduce the number of holidays they take or even manage without one until the economic situation improves.