MCLEAN, VA and WASHINGTON, DC – USA TODAY and DiscoverAmerica.com announce the launch of an online photo contest called the “Picture America Contest.” Kicking off on April 10, the contest is a unique partnership between USA TODAY, the nation’s top-selling newspaper, and DiscoverAmerica.com, the first-ever official travel and tourism Web site of the United States. Contest submissions, details and rules can be found at http://pictureamerica.usatoday.com.

The “Picture America Contest” invites readers to submit their iconic images of America that capture the essence of the country and best represent it for international travelers. Images from 10 finalists, including three winners, will be used as part of a new Discover America marketing campaign to promote American travel destinations abroad. Contest finalists’ photos will be also be displayed on DiscoverAmerica.com and USATODAY.com.

Finalists will be selected by three judges: Mick Cochran, director of photography for USA TODAY; David Griffin, director of photography for National Geographic magazine and Bob Krist, independent travel photographer and three-time winner of the Society of American Travel Writers "Travel Photographer of the Year." USA TODAY readers will get to vote for the first-, second- and third-place winners.

The winners will each receive a trip prize from Travelocity and a $500 American Express voucher toward the airfare purchase. Hotel options include a four-night stay at Planet Hollywood Resort in Las Vegas, Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans or the Regal Sun Resort in Orlando. The first prize winner will also receive an inkjet printer from Kodak.

Copyright 2009 Discover America, LLC. All rights reserved. From http://www.discoveramerica.com.
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