Tourism is both a growing industry and is also an increasingly competitive one. It has become an important factor in the social and economic life of this country, but it is the international visitors who form the growth sector in the market and make the greatest contribution to the national economy. In 1977 the United Kingdom attracted 4·7% of the world total of international travellers and its share of the growing world market has increased by half over the past 10 years. Figures from the Department of Trade show that in 1977 tourism was third in the league of invisible exports and seventh overall in export earnings.

If the advent of cheap air fares is to lead to a tourist ‘explosion’ then the effects are likely to be dramatic in terms not only of the tourist industry but the social life of places visited as well as on the national economy. As the foremost tourist centre in Britain, London will feel the effects soonest and most dramatically. While this provides very welcome opportunities, the social and economic implications are far-reaching and need to be carefully considered.