The number of tourist arrivals to Ratanakiri province increased by 13,000 last year,

local officials announced. The province welcomed nearly 71,000 visitors in 2006 --

about 1,000 of whom were foreigners -- compared to 58,000 in 2005. Tra Nut San, the

director Ratanakiri's tourism department, said the increase in tourist numbers had

led to an increase in the construction of hotels, guest-houses and restaurants, with

three new hotels now under construction. Tra Nut San said more tourists would visit

the province in 2007 with the completion of National Road 7.