Both sides exchanged opinions on the development and trends of the tourism industry in North Korea and China and agreed to promote North-bound travel products and services among Chinese tourists, the sources noted.

The General Administration of Civil Aviation is the North's government body in charge of international aviation and travel services, and Guangdong China Travel Service is a leading tour agency in southern China.

"The recent meeting between top officials of North Korea's civil aviation administration and a major Chinese tour agency seems to indicate considerable progress in bilateral tourism cooperation," a source said.

"Such progress is impossible without the support of the Chinese authorities. Beijing seems to help ease the North's foreign currency shortage through the tourism sector cooperation," the source said.

At present, Air Koryo flies to three Chinese cities -- Shenyang, Beijing and Shanghai.

Recently, the number of weekly flights on the Pyongyang-Shenyang route increased from two to three, while almost every seat on Pyongyang-Beijing trains has been sold out. (Yonhap)