Cebu City (18 October) -- Maximizing the presence of foreign visitors in Cebu , travel agencies are offering pre and post tour packages for Asean Summit delegates wanting to unwind before or after the event.

Tourism Usec. Phineas Alburo disclosed that the National Organizing Committee for the 12th Asean Summit with private sector arrangement is coming out with two packages selling pre and post tours as part of promoting the country's tourist attractions. Foreign visitors that want to explore Cebu and beyond to nearby provinces like Bohol and Davao City may just access the website of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for the detailed information.

There are six travel agencies in Cebu that have been accredited by the DFA offering the same tour packages and the same rates, this was bared.

Though the participants to the summit are here for official business, the tourism industry can also take advantage of the opportunity to showcase the tourist attractions found in the Philippines , Alburo said.

Alburo further said that even if the summit is done in Cebu, the benefits will be spread out through tourism as under Pres. Arroyo's 'Super Regions' concept, Central Philippines - Super Region that includes the whole Visayas Region will concentrate on strengthening the country's tourism industry.

The tourism official likewise stressed that with Cebu 's 42 direct international flights a week is a plus factor to promote the province, as accessibility is very important in the tourism industry. This is a good time to promote the rich culture of Cebu, its pristine beaches, less pollution and a relatively favorable peace and order climate as serious crimes like kidnapping is basically not a problem although Alburo admitted that petty crimes like hold-up and snatching is a growing concern.

Alburo said they will be providing the delegates a tourist map guide of Cebu featuring the various hotels, resorts, restaurants that offer specialty foods, and night establishments among other tourist landmarks and attractions.

The Cebu City government as the sub-committee chair on media under the Cebu Organizing Committee of the 12th Asean Summit has asked establishments in Cebu City to give discounts to foreign, national and local media covering the summit. As an incentive, these establishments will be included in the list of recommended establishments whose names will be printed in the media guidebook.