Tourism deal promises a lucrative destination

China, Russia, Mongolia and the Republic of Korea agreed on Sunday to boost tourism in Northeast Asia.

The agreement, a memo signed at a forum involving the United Nations Development Program and Jilin province authorities, aims to promote cross-border tourism.

"Tourism is an industry that concerns a broad range of economic, social activities and, therefore, business interests. It cuts across many policy areas for governments in Northeast Asia and that requires closer ties and committed cooperation," said Choi Hoon, director of the UNDP Tumen Secretariat.