S/T/16. The growth of international tourism and the effect of tourism on the UK's balance of payments

This report provides an account of the growth of international tourism by UK citizens. It shows its evolution from the pre-war exclusivity of the elite of society through to the development of the package holiday and the subsequent emergence of mass market tourism. The report highlights the negative effect that mass market tourism had on the popular Mediterranean resorts of the 60s, 70s and 80s such as overcrowding and a loss of identity and culture. In the second part the report shows how a greater awareness of new cultures and the environment has led to the development of eco-tourism and looks to the future with the possibilities of 'space tourism'. Finally the report shows the affect that tourism has on the UK's balance of payments with a look at the multiplier process with its direct, indirect and induced economic effects.