Asia Pacific Travel Ltd., a tour operator specializing in North Korea, said North Korea’s state-run travel agency has informed the operator that American tourists will be allowed to visit the country year-round.

The state-run agency, Korea International Travel Company, said Americans would have permission to travel to Korea any time, not just during the Arirang Mass Games in August and September, said Asia Pacific Travel.

The Arirang Mass Games is a synchronized gymnastics and artistic performance. The event has been the only occasion during which American tourists have been allowed to enter North Korea since 2005.

Americans have a five-day limit when visiting North Korea and must arrive and depart via train from China. Walter Keats, president of Chicago-based Asia Pacific Travel, said he is optimistic that these travel policies will also be changed.

Consequently, the tour operator has posted new North Korea itineraries on its website.

"Tours for 2010 will offer a different and more extensive mix of long- and short-stay study tours from April through October," Keats said.

Asia Pacific Travel is one of few tour operators officially recognized by North Korea to escort tourists from the U.S., according to the company. Asia Pacific Travel has been bringing groups to North Korea since 1995.