What is tourism?
Tourism is when people travel to a particular destination to either relax and enjoy the different climate, explore new scenery or learn more about the culture in the area.
Tourism is very good for the economy, and it helps bring lots of money to different destinations each year.
The UK has a variety of locations that attract tourists. These include:
Coastal areas
Cities and Towns
Villages
Countryside
Watch: Learn about tourism in the UK
Discover how tourism impacts two UK cities - Edinburgh and Brighton.
The UK is in the top 10 most visited places in the world – and a lot of people who already live here like to see different parts of it. And who wouldn’t want to come here on their holidays?
Hi, I’m Jude. The iconic castle is just one of many reasons why Edinburgh is such a popular destination. It’s the capital of Scotland, which is why the Scottish Parliament building is here, that you can see behind me.
It’s the centre of Scottish politics, and one of many sights on our journey…
Capital cities are often centres of tourism for lots of different reasons. The castle represents two of them: it offers an amazing viewpoint and it’s full of history…
Edinburgh isn’t short on museums - these are buildings that house important historical items. There are over 10 to choose from – the National Museum of Scotland is a must for history fans.
Another reason for so much tourism is the thousands of pubs, cafes and restaurants that serve local drinks and dishes – like haggis – and food from around the world.
Lots of tourists love shopping too, especially on the Royal Mile.
Edinburgh has a lot of culture to experience as well, such as art galleries, theatres and comedy clubs. Once a year the city hosts the Fringe, one of the biggest arts festivals in the world - you’ll find performers everywhere, it’s pretty cool.
Edinburgh is located quite far north in the UK - in Scotland, but south, at the bottom of England, you’ll find Brighton.
Brighton is a bustling city that, like Edinburgh, has attractions, restaurants, history and culture; many visit to see the museums, Georgian terraces and annual Pride parade.
But one of the reasons the city has become so popular is what makes it totally different - the beach.
People are able to swim, sunbathe and play. Brighton’s popularity began as a health resort in the 18th century, when many people recommended its salty sea air to improve their wellbeing.
Hotels are where many people stay, but some rent out other people’s houses or stay in caravans. Where they choose to stay is called accommodation.
Tourism is a vital industry because tourists spend lots of money when they visit, and that money gets put back into local jobs, services and businesses. Where would you like to go on holiday and why?
Tourism across the UK
There is so much to explore in the UK. Take a look at the map below to see what it has to offer.
Why tourists visit cities and towns
Cities and towns have so many features to explore. They can be seen as centres of culture and history.
Take a look at some of the attractions below that can be found in Edinburgh:
Image caption, Physical features
Edinburgh has a rich history and a lot of its buildings are made of stone.
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