This increase translated into a growth of 31.26 percent over the previous year, a report released on Monday by the ministry of Tourism and Wildlife has disclosed.
International visitor arrivals grew from 1.47 million in 2017 to 2.02 million in 2018, a growth of 37.33 percent over the previous year.
Domestic bed nights grew from 3.64 million in 2017 to 3.97 million in 2018, a growth of 9.03 percent over the previous year.
Growth in the tourism sector was largely attributed to political stability, improved security situation and growth in the aviation sector, according to the tourism sector performance report handed over to President Uhuru Kenyatta by the Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary, Najib Balala.
Also contributing to growth were withdrawal of travel advisories, visits by foreign dignitaries, international conferences, investor confidence, the open border policy and revitalized marketing efforts.
Kenyatta called on tourism stakeholders in the country to be creative and improve the quality and range of services so as to compete globally.
He pointed out that it will not be useful to do major tourism marketing campaigns if the sector does not offer high quality services.
“We are operating in a global market and we must invest in improving services in our hotels, at the game and national parks. Today’s tourists have many options and we have to ensure we work hard to attract and retain them” Kenyatta said.