Accra, Aug. 20, GNA - The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has officially announced its third annual online photo competition as part of celebrations for the World Tourism Day which falls on September 27. The ultimate prize for the winner of the competition would be a round trip and accommodation to Ghana, the host country for the World Tourism Day this year.

World Tourism Day is celebrated every year on September 27 with the objective of creating awareness among the international community about the importance of tourism and its contribution to the social, cultural, political and economic development of any country. This year's celebration is on the theme: "Tourism Celebrating Diversity." A statement issued by Ghana's Ministry of Tourism said the online photo competition will receive photos that reflected how tourism was the vehicle that bridged cultures, intensified understanding and fostered peace.

The competition, which would receive photos from around the world, would also give people an opportunity to share with the rest of the world their customs and to demonstrate through pictures how cultural diversity enriches the lives of people and unites people globally. Participants can register and obtain an electronic identification at www.unwto.org/wtd and Ghana's Ministry of Tourism website www.touringhana.com and can submit photos on the same websites.

The Competition which is open to people of all ages around the world would accept photos in colour or black and white and up to five photos must be submitted electronically in high resolution jpeg format. Winning photos will be displayed on the UNWTO website and will also be exhibited during the International Tourism Fair in Berlin next year where the winners will be announced. The deadline for entries is January 30, 2010 and winners will be notified through email by February 2010.