North Korea has suspended Western group tourism just weeks after a limited reopening, raising concerns in the tourism industry. Travel agencies confirmed the temporary closure of Rason tourism while existing tourists may proceed with their planned activities. The regime’s tight control over information continues to cast doubt on the future of tourism in the country post-COVID-19.
In a surprising turn of events, North Korea has once again halted the acceptance of Western group tourists, just three weeks after reopening to them for the first time in five years. According to a report by AFP on October 5th, Korea Tour, a British-owned travel agency based in Beijing, announced on its digital platforms that Rason tourism has been temporarily suspended, calling it an unprecedented situation that is under review.
Simon Corkorell, the head of Koryo Tour, reassured that tourists presently in North Korea would be allowed to complete their journeys as scheduled. Additionally, Young Pioneer Tour, a travel agency initiated by a New Zealander, as well as KTG Tour from Spain, confirmed the temporary stoppage of Rason tourism but expressed uncertainty regarding the duration and reasons behind the suspension.
North Korea had previously closed its borders in January 2020 to curb the spread of COVID-19. After a prolonged hiatus, the country allowed foreigners to enter in September 2023, though initially limited to Russian tourists. Toward the end of September, Western groups began visiting Rason, garnering positive feedback from travelers from France, Germany, and Britain as reported by various travel agencies.
Koryo Tour had also planned to attract participants for the Pyongyang International Marathon scheduled for November 6th, offering a package that included tours around Pyongyang at a price of €2,195 per person, exclusive of visa and event fees. This development heightened expectations for a revival of substantial tourism in North Korea following the marathon, but the recent abrupt cessation poses challenges for the tourism sector.
NK News highlighted expert opinions suggesting that the recovery of tourism in North Korea to its pre-COVID-19 state remains uncertain, as the regime continues to suppress external information due to fears of ideological contamination, further complicating the landscape for international visitors to the country.
The temporary suspension of Western group tourism in North Korea shortly after its reopening underscores the unpredictability of the situation in the country. With the tourism industry already struggling post-COVID-19, experts remain skeptical about a full recovery. The recent developments pose significant challenges for travel agencies and highlight the regime’s ongoing suppression of external influences, making the future of tourism in North Korea uncertain.
Original Source: www.mk.co.kr
