The latest round of sanctions imposed by the UN on North Korea for the development of intercontinental ballistic missiles has had an adverse effect on its economy and it is exploring alternate avenues to reverse the trend. One line of action is to focus on tourism to compensate the losses. It has, therefore, launched a travel agency in Russia and is promoting itself to the outside world as a safe tourist destination.
North Korea plans to woo Russians
Sky News reports that a Moscow based tour company is offering Russians a 15-day stay in North Korea for approximately $2000 per head.
The tentative itinerary is quite attractive with several visits that include temples, museums, and walks in the mountains apart from tasting national cuisine. There are other options like relaxation on a beach, watching an aviation show and participation in a beer festival. However, it does not recommend interaction with locals.
North Korea has been hit hard by sanctions and has drawn up plans to develop its tourism industry which is expected to bring in the much-needed foreign currency. It is proud of its resorts, theme parks, magnificent surroundings and architectural feats. The tour operator expects group bookings of up to 10 people in each group and they can book through the website to enjoy a variety of the multifaceted life of North Korea.
Of course, there will be certain restrictions that visitors would have to follow. They will have to be under strict surveillance and inspection and there will be guides who will ensure that safety of the tourists is guaranteed. Obviously, the country is feeling the impact of the sanctions. It is not known how much the focus on tourism will benefit Pyongyang and whether it will appeal to the Russians, who usually opt for tourist destinations in Europe or in Turkey and Thailand.
The fact remains that Pyongyang will have to pay a price for its adamant attitude and must now come to the discussion table.
The United States is relieved
The efforts of North Korea to improve the health of its economy by exploiting its tourism potentials is a positive indicator for not only the United States but for the whole world.
The latest round of UN sanctions had a direct impact on Pyongyang’s trade and has put the country into a difficult situation. It has to, therefore, evolve a solution for survival and its plan to declare itself as a tourist destination could be a step in the right direction.
Threats of a confrontation with nuclear weapons appear to have receded and the three presidents Donald Trump, Xi Jinping and Moon Jae-in can now put their heads together to work out strategies of how to defuse tension in the Korean peninsula.
