SEVERN RIVER SNAPSHOT BEATS OUT MORE THAN 800 PHOTOS OF “MARYLAND TREASURES” TO SNAG FIRST-EVER ONLINE CONTEST HONORS
BALTIMORE (October 1, 2009) – The Maryland Office of Tourism held its inaugural “Maryland Treasures” photo contest this summer, attracting more than 800 pictures of some of the state’s most breathtaking scenery from nearly 90 photographers. The winner, Ryan Lasek of Columbia, Md., won the top prize for his photo, “Sailing the Severn,” which earned 762 votes.
“The results of the ‘Maryland Treasures’ photo contest are a testament to the great talent and creativity that individuals in our state possess,” said Margot A. Amelia, executive director of the Maryland Office of Tourism. “From an impressive landscape vista to an everyday scene of city life, there was no shortage of spectacular images to choose from, and we’re proud of our residents’ willingness to share their special Maryland moments with us.”
As the winner, Lasek will receive a Talbot County weekend getaway for two to the Inn at Perry Cabin in St. Michael’s, Md., along with a $100 gift certificate to Mason’s Restaurant for dinner. The prize also includes free admission to the Academy Art Museum and the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.
Beginning in August and running through Labor Day, participants posted pictures of their travels in Maryland to a special group on the photo site, Flickr. The Maryland Office of Tourism and the Maryland Arts Council selected the top 20 photos that were then moved to www.visitmaryland.org where users could vote for their favorites. The Office of Tourism plans to hold similar contests in the future.
About Maryland Tourism
The Maryland Office of Tourism is an agency of the Division of Tourism, Film and the Arts within the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development. Maryland’s latest visitor data confirms that in 2007, the State welcomed more than 27 million visitors who generated more than $13.6 billion in visitor spending. That figure is up from $13.2 billion the previous calendar year. During 2007, the Maryland tourism industry generated more than $1.7 billion in state and local taxes and provided more than 140,000 jobs to Maryland residents.
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