BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota is experiencing a boom in hotel construction.

The state Tourism Division says 42 hotels have been built in the state since 2011, adding 3,500 rooms. About an equal number are planned this year.

State Tourism Director Sara Otte Coleman says not all of the new hotels have been built in the booming western oil patch. She says 11 hotels opened east of U.S. Highway 83 in 2012 or will open this year.

Coleman says travelers should still book rooms before they travel.