Voting is in progress for the 2014 KC Visitors’ Choice Awards, sponsored by Visit KC, formerly known as the Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association.

Online voters from outside the five-county metropolitan area are casting their ballots for finalists in 50 categories, including Favorite Locally Owned Shop or Store, Favorite Local Chef and Favorite Hotel (More than 300 Rooms and 300 Rooms or Less). The voting deadline is Sept. 26.

The Visitors’ Choice Awards were established eight years ago to give tourists the chance to pick their favorite Kansas City businesses. It is the only local awards program whose finalists and winners are chosen by visitors to Kansas City.

“This exciting program has allowed Visit KC to lend a voice to the more than 22 million travelers who come to Kansas City annually,” said Ronnie Burt, president and CEO of Visit KC, in a release. “The Visitors’ Choice Awards also present an opportunity for us to honor local businesses and attractions that have helped KC earn its reputation for exemplary customer service and hospitality.”

One voter will win a $100 Visa gift card. For more information, go to VisitKC.com.