Radio Free Asia says a Chinese travel agency specializing in tours to North Korea predicts the communist state will likely resume its Arirang mass games next year.
 
The U.S.-based news outlet reported that the travel agency said while it has yet to receive a performance schedule of the games, the North has included a show in its tour programs for July and August of next year.
 
The travel agency added that North Korea will hold a wide range of events next year to mark the 70 anniversary of Korea’s independence from Japan’s colonial rule and the founding of its Workers’ Party.
 
RFA said that the number of foreign visitors to the North has dropped after Pyongyang cancelled this year’s Arirang performance. It said resuming the show would draw more foreigners to the communist country next year.
 
North Korea launched the annual mass gymnastics performance in 2002 to celebrate the 90th birthday of North Korean founder Kim Il-sung. The North canceled the event in 2006 for the first time due to serious damage caused by floods and then again this year.
 
The Arirang festival enlists some 100-thousand people for a display of synchronized acrobatics, gymnastics and dancing.