North Korean leader Kim Jong-un expressed his intention to promote the development of the tourism sector despite the ongoing restrictions on entry to the country for most foreign citizens, which have been in effect since the Covid pandemic, Kyodo reported, quoted by BTA.
Today, Kim inspected a newly completed hotel and other tourist facilities in a coastal tourist town in the eastern province of Gangwon. They are scheduled to be put into operation in June 2025, North Korea's KCNA news agency reported.
Kim, who was accompanied by his daughter Ju-e, described the area as "remarkable" and the facilities "have been built to a high standard so that important external, political and cultural state events can be successfully held there," KCNA reported.
Pyongyang plans to accelerate the development of tourist destinations, with some analysts saying that by attracting international tourists, the country aims to earn foreign currency to bolster its economy, which has suffered a serious collapse during the pandemic.
In early 2024, North Korea began receiving tourists from Russia after easing its anti-COVID measures. However, access for tourists from China, frequent visitors before COVID-19, has not yet resumed, Kyodo added.