Odisha Unveils Ambitious Tourism Rebranding with New Tagline and International Marathon
In a significant strategic move to elevate its position on the international tourism stage, the Odisha government officially launched a new brand identity on Tuesday with the tagline 'Think India, Think Odisha'. Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida emphasized that this rebranding initiative represents a crucial transition for the state from being a relatively undiscovered destination to becoming a confident and globally competitive tourism hub.
Strategic Vision for Tourism Transformation
Parida detailed that Odisha is systematically evolving into a high-performance tourism economy, driven by three key pillars: strategic branding, substantial infrastructure development, and the creation of immersive visitor experiences. The new tagline, she explained, embodies an aspirational identity that directly invites global travelers to experience the essence of India through Odisha's exceptionally rich cultural heritage, profound spiritual significance, and breathtaking natural landscapes.
OMC Puri Coastal Marathon: A First-of-its-Kind Event
Accompanying the brand launch was the announcement of the OMC Puri Coastal Marathon (OPCM), an innovative international sporting event designed to significantly boost both sports tourism and experiential tourism within the state. The inaugural edition is scheduled for December 13 this year and features an impressive prize pool exceeding Rs 1 crore, positioning it among India's most competitive and lucrative running events.
The marathon will offer multiple categories to attract a diverse range of participants, including a full marathon (42 km), half marathon (21 km), 10 km race, and 5 km run. This structure is specifically designed to welcome elite athletes, enthusiastic amateur runners, and international participants from across the globe.
Unique Coastal Running Experience
Participants will enjoy a truly unique running experience along Puri's picturesque coastline, with the route featuring a distinctive 6-kilometer stretch on the region's famous golden sands. This scenic course promises to combine athletic challenge with natural beauty, creating memorable moments for all runners.
Official Launch and Registration Details
The government simultaneously launched the official marathon website, with registrations now open for participants from both India and abroad. Tourism Commissioner-cum-Secretary Balwant Singh was present at the announcement event, underscoring the administration's commitment to this comprehensive tourism development strategy.
This dual initiative of brand repositioning and major event creation represents Odisha's most ambitious effort to date to capture a larger share of the global tourism market while showcasing the state's unique attractions to an international audience.
