Hong In Chol, a department director of the bureau, told KCNA that new programs have been prepared for foreign tourists.

Pyongyang will host a lot of cultural and sports events this year, he said, adding:

The April Spring Friendship Art Festival will draw artistes from many countries.

A large-scale magic performance, the first of its kind in the country, is also scheduled to start at May Day Stadium in Pyongyang in the same month.

Many local and foreign people have booked tickets for the spectacle.

The grand gymnastic and artistic performance "Arirang" will be given this year, too.

"Arirang" was listed as the world's masterpiece in the Guinness World Records book.

The 17th World Taekwon-Do Championships will take place in Pyongyang in September.

Besides, IAAF-the 24th Mangyongdae Prize Marathon and other international and national tournaments will be held this year.

The State General Bureau of Tourism, the International Travel Company and other travel companies of the DPRK are working on preparations for accepting foreign tourists.