North Korea could be about to lift its blanket ban on all foreign travellers which it imposed due to Ebola fears.
Two tour operators which specialize in tours to the country say they have received an indication that North Korea may be about to open up to tourism again early next year.
New Jersey based Uri Tours said it has received word that tours may be allowed to resume in January, in time for the winter ski season.
Uri Tours also said the Pyongyang Marathon in April will definitely go ahead.
North Korea is allowing foreign runners to compete again in the event for the first time for many years.
Koryo Tours, another major agency based in Beijing said restrictions would be lifted sometime between January and April.
Since October the country has been on virtual lockdown to foreign visitors with visas being granted only for essential travel.
The secretive nation also closed its borders a decade ago during the SARS epidemic.
