GENEVA, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Swiss hotel sector registered 18.4 million overnight stays in the first half of 2018, representing an increase of 3.8 percent compared with the same period a year earlier, the Swiss government said Monday.

According to the provisional results from the Swiss Federal Statistical Office (FSO), with a total of 10 million overnight stays, foreign demand rose by 4.6 percent in the period, while domestic visitors accounted for 8.3 million overnight stays, an increase of 2.8 percent.

Switzerland is a mountainous Central European country, home to numerous lakes, villages and the high peaks of the Alps.

Its cities contain medieval quarters, with landmarks like the capital city of Bern's Zytglogge clock tower and Lucerne's wooden chapel bridge.

The country is also known for its ski resorts and hiking trails.