A news release from the official North Korean News Agency KPDN predicts a bright future for tourism in North Korea…
PYONGYANG- It sounds rather like a joke. The country which recently said that it could use nuclear weapons to defend itself against imperialist forces (means South Korea and the United States) is now promising a bright future for its tourism industry, according to an article of KCNA (Korea Central News Agency).
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is directing big efforts to developing tourism as one of major industries. In this regard, KCNA met Jo Song Gyu, director of the International Travel Company of the DPRK who explained: “Consistent is the policy of the Workers’ Party of Korea and the DPRK government to develop tourism in the country”.
Beyond these enigmatic propaganda words, North Korea is craving to collect foreign currencies to buy much needed commodities for the daily life of its population. Recently, the world’s most isolated country welcomed in a meeting overseas travel companies from China, Britain, Germany and other countries.
Abundant in tourism resources, the country has a bright future to develop tourism. Regular air route will be opened between Pyongyang, Lake Samji and Wonsan for local and foreign tourists.
The country also plans to open air routes between Pyongyang and Chinese cities like Shanghai and Yanji. Air services will also be available to Southeast Asia in a near future. Wonsan and Mts. Paektu and Chilbo areas are likely to be linked with other countries and regions by air services.
Economic development zones to be built in each province will serve as tourism destinations. Hotels in Pyongyang City are being renovated at the world’s level. A number of fitness centers, service complexes and souvenir and duty-free shops will be built for tourists. In the border areas to China, North Korea is also mulling out the idea of providing day-trip visas.
The government will allow foreigners to launch independent business or joint venture in the country to invest in tourist resorts and economic development zones and construct and manage hotels, shops and other tourist facilities. North Korea will also allow travellers all year around. Until now, the country was locked out every year between December and January.
North Korea will also propose tax exemptions and simplified formalities to foreign businesses which would start as soon as possible to invest into DPRK tourism infrastructure such as the development of tourist resorts and operation of hotels, restaurants, etc. The country has of course a rich history. But above all, venturing into a country which still lives in a time similar to Stalin’s Soviet Union or Mao Zedong China will probably become a major motivation for discerning foreign travellers.
Luc Citrinot a French national is a freelance journalist and consultant in tourism and air transport with over 20 years experience. Based in Paris and Bangkok, he works for various travel and air transport trade publications in Europe and Asia.
