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Coming on the heels of its push for U.S. travel promotion, the U.S. Travel Association has partnered with USA TODAY to launch an online photo contest called "Picture America Contest." Applicants are asked to submit iconic images of America that "capture the essence of our country."

Acting as unofficial U.S. ambassadors, applicants should pick pictures that will attract foreign visitors to the United States. The photos will be displayed on USATODAY.com and on DiscoverAmerica.com, the first-ever U.S. travel and tourism website that promotes the country to a foreign audience. 

Three judges will select 10 finalists to have their photos featured at pictureamerica.usatoday.com and will be used as part of a new Discover America marketing campaign. Readers can vote for their favorite; the top three entries will be prize winners.

The contest entry period ends at 11:59 PM (EST) on May 8, 2009. Voting beings on May 25, 2009 and ends at 11:59 PM on June 8, 2009.

Find more information at http://pictureamerica.usatoday.com.