The Voice of America says North Korea will likely allow U.S. citizens to tour Mount Geumgang next year.

Walter Keats, the head of U.S. tour operator Asia Pacific Travel, told the broadcaster that when he recently visited the North with American tourists, he heard from a North Korean official that U.S. citizens will soon be allowed to use facilities at the mountain resort.

Keats was also quoted as saying that North Korean officials responded positively to his plan to begin sending American tourists to the mountain next year.

The broadcaster added that a Chinese travel agency in Beijing also plans to sell next year tour packages for bicycle tours in the North.