China-based North Korea tour operator INDPRK announced it will stop all group package tours to the North starting Saturday through Sept. 5. The agency said the decision came as all hotels in Pyongyang will undergo renovation for 20 days starting Saturday.

Pundits, however, said the announcement may have been made due to a potential visit to Pyongyang by Chinese President Xi Jinping over the period.

North Korea has in the past restricted entry of foreigners citing different reasons when the country prepared for significant events.

Pyongyang may also be preparing for the celebration of the 70th anniversary of its foundation on Sept. 9, they added.

"It is believed that North Korea is preparing for an important event, or high-ranking officials are planning a visit, considering that Pyongyang is restricting entry of foreigners over the peak tourism season, even though it one of its main sources of profit," a source in Beijing said. (Yonhap)