In a landmark move, a group of Russian travelers from the Primorye region is set to embark on a journey to North Korea, becoming the first group of tourists to visit the hermit kingdom since the COVID-19 pandemic began, according to a report from Russian news outlet Tass.

The travelers will first make their way to Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, before embarking on a series of tours within the country. One of the highlights of their visit is a scheduled trip to Masik Pass, North Korea's renowned ski resort, where they will engage in winter sports activities.

Amidst North Korea's strict lockdown measures implemented in response to the global pandemic, the decision to allow Russian citizens to be the first formal tourism group signifies a growing cooperation between the two nations. The trip is said to be a personal effort of Primorye Governor Oleg Kozhemyako and his North Korean counterparts.

Until now, the limited tourism industry in North Korea has predominantly focused on attracting Chinese citizens. However, the selection of Russian tourists as the first group of visitors reflects the deepening ties between Russia and North Korea.

"Visitors from Russia are unlikely to be as financially lucrative for North Korea as the return of more numerous visitors from China," commented Prof. Leif-Eric Easley of South Korea's Ewha University. Nevertheless, the opportunity to expand their tourism industry to include visitors from other nations could provide a boost to North Korea's economy.

Despite being a deeply impoverished country, North Korea boasts luxury facilities primarily catered to its elite leadership class. The majority of the country's fine dining and entertainment options are concentrated in the capital city of Pyongyang.

As the first group of tourists since the pandemic, the arrival of Russian travelers marks a crucial step in North Korea's efforts to revive its tourism industry and gradually open up to the outside world once again.