More people from the UK are enjoying Kenya holidays as the country makes efforts to widen its appeal and go beyond safaris.

Last year saw "positive growth" from the country's major tourist markets, including the UK, US, Italy, Germany and India, according to the Ministry of Tourism.

Overall, arrivals hit the two million mark in 2011, with July and August the most popular time for holidays in Kenya, accounting for 22 per cent of the entire year's overseas visitors.

Tourism minister Najib Balala attributed the improved performance to the decision to diversify markets.

Indeed, the image of safari holidays being the only thing to do in Kenya is rapidly changing.

A poll carried out at Mombasa International Airport found 99 per cent of people arriving were going on beach holidays in Kenya.

Mr Balala said the country will "continue sourcing for new and emerging markets for the industry to register even more arrivals and revenue", according to a release from the Ministry of Tourism.