(Pembroke, ON) – The Ottawa Valley Tourist Association (OVTA) recently launched an on-line photo contest and is inviting local residents and visitors to enter for their chance to win great Ottawa Valley prizes valued at over $1500.

The “Remember When” photo contest, which runs from July 27 to August 31, 2009, encourages residents and visitors to enter at www.OttawaValley.travel by submitting a photo and 150-word description of their most memorable Ottawa Valley vacation. There are two categories, one for Youth (aged 13 years and younger) and one for Adults (aged 14 years and older), with first, second and third prizes being awarded in each category.

Prizes include a family rafting trip with RiverRun Rafting, a romantic getaway at the Pembroke Comfort Inn, golfing getaway with Serendipity on the River and Whitetail Golf Club, passes to Storyland and the Bonnechere Caves, as well as shopping certificates at the Valley Artisan Co-op Gallery in Deep River. Additionally, the first place winners in each category will receive an 11x14 giclée gallery wrapped canvas of his/her winning photo, and second and third place winners will each receive a poster of his/her winning photo, courtesy of Lakeside Pavilion in Barry’s Bay.

Contestants are encouraged to submit photos, which would inspire another tourist to visit the Ottawa Valley. Photos must be taken in either Renfrew or Pontiac counties in order to qualify.

“Everyone has their ”remember when” vacation moment and we want visitors to share them with us,” noted Melissa Johnston, Tourism Marketing Coordinator for the OVTA. “Residents and visitors are encouraged to submit photos which evoke an emotional reaction or wow-factor, such as spontaneous-looking shots of people in action showing real emotion or a scenic landscape that immediately takes your breath away. Once single photo can tell an amazing story,” added Johnston.

Visitors to www.OttawaValley.travel will also have the opportunity to vote for their favourite photo by following the link from the home page. The OVTA Travel Guide and Marketing Committees will review all entries, including the public’s voting results, and select the winning photos in early September. Winning photos will be featured in the 2010 Ottawa Valley Travel Guide and on www.OttawaValley.travel.

For complete contest rules or to enter the contest visit www.OttawaValley.travel.

The OVTA is the official destination marketing organization for the Upper Ottawa Valley and proudly represents more than 230 tourism businesses, comprised of attractions and events, accommodation, dining and retail establishments, rafting companies and outfitters, artists and galleries, as well as media and industry suppliers.