NUMEROUS INQUIRIES RECEIVED ABOUT VACATION PACKAGE DEAL

"You have been selected to participate in a vacation package..."

Several area residents have been greeted with this message when they answered their telephones this week.

The offers of low-priced vacations and cruises are being made by Vacation Break, a Largo, Fla., vacation promotion company, and VIP Marketing, a travel promotion firm at Carriere in southern Mississippi.

The calls to area people have resulted in some inquiries to the Southeast Missourian newspaper, various travel agencies and officials of the SEMO Home Builders Association.

"People are mostly seeking information concerning the two companies," said a travel agency representative. "First thinking of many people is that they have won a free vacation."

Vacation Break and VIP Travel were among the exhibitors during last weekend's home builders Farm & Home Show held at the Show Me Center on Southeast Missouri State University.

Visitors to the show could sign up for a "free" vacation package offered by both of the companies.

"This is the way we get names for our telemarketing program," said a spokesman of Vacation Break. "We do give one free vacation, then offer other vacations at reduced prices with the understanding that people visit and look at our resort areas."

The concept is basically the same for VIP Travel.

"We'll be giving one free vacation," said a spokesman from Carriere, Miss. "It will consist of eight days and seven nights, including a five-day cruise to the Bahamas. However, it does not include transportation to and from the port of embarkation."

Vacation winners are expected to be announced this week.

In addition to the free vacation the firm also offers a number of vacation plans to those people who entered the drawing. These can range from a three-day, two-night package at Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., to a five-day cruise."

Persons who elect to purchase any of the vacation plans from either company are asked to make payment with a credit card to assure confirmation. Once the credit card number is given, the persons is confirmed and is liable for the vacation.