State unveils new tourism tagline ‘Think India, Think Odisha’

Bhubaneswar: In a major push to reposition itself on the global tourism map, the state govt on Tuesday unveiled a new brand tagline, ‘Think India, Think Odisha’. The rebranding, deputy chief minister Pravati Parida said, marks Odisha’s transition from being a lesser-explored destination to a confident and globally competitive tourism hub.The new identity was launched alongside the announcement of the OMC Puri Coastal Marathon (OPCM), a first-of-its-kind international sporting event aimed at boosting sports and experiential tourism in the state.Parida said Odisha is steadily evolving into a high-performance tourism economy, driven by strategic branding, infrastructure growth and immersive visitor experiences. She said the new tagline reflects an aspirational identity that invites global travellers to experience India through Odisha’s rich cultural, spiritual and natural heritage.The inaugural edition of the marathon is scheduled for Dec 13 this year and will feature a prize pool exceeding Rs 1 crore, placing it among the country’s most competitive running events. The marathon will include full (42 km), half (21 km), 10 km and 5 km categories, designed to attract elite athletes, amateurs and international participants. The route will offer a unique experience along Puri’s scenic coastline, including a 6-km stretch on golden sands.The official marathon website was also launched, with registrations opening for participants from India and abroad. Tourism commissioner-cum-secretary Balwant Singh was present.