This contest is advertised in the current edition of National Geographic Magazine (October 2008). The terms and conditions can be found at;

http://www.intercontinentalconnections.com/connections-photo-contest-rul...

This is on the face of it just another rights grabbing exercise, with a twist. It seems that if you are in line for a prize, it will be up to you (the nominated prize winner) to obtain all property and model releases. If you can't get the releases you may not get your prize! Neat! Less hassle for Intercontinental Hotels when exploiting the images "commercially" and "to their fullest extent".

Nice prizes, but I won't be entering!