Constanta , the port city with a thousand-year history, wants to reinvent itself visually. The competition launched by the Mamaia-Constanta Destination Management Organization (OMD) to create a representative logo brings to the forefront an important question: how do we harmonize the identity of Constanta with that of the Mamaia resort?
Although Mamaia is an integral part of Constanta, the two already have different perceptions among tourists. The "Visionary Cities" study reveals that tourists associate Constanta with history , culture and emblematic architecture, while Mamaia is perceived as a destination dedicated to summer fun and relaxation.
According to the study "Visionary Cities: Constanta", tourists identify several competitive advantages:
International accessibility : The Port of Constanta is one of the largest in Europe, and Mihail Kogălniceanu International Airport is just 20 minutes away from the city.
Cultural diversity : Multicultural events and local gastronomy are strengths that can attract tourists throughout the year.
Historical perception : Constanta is seen as a city of stories and authentic experiences, which makes it attractive for travelers interested in history and culture.
Why is a logo necessary for Constanta?
According to the "Visionary Cities" study , Constanța has the potential to attract tourists not only in summer, but also in other seasons. With attractions such as the Casino, Ovidiu Square, the Museum of National History and Archaeology, the city can be promoted as a unique cultural and historical destination. A well-designed logo could communicate this diversity and contribute to positioning Constanța as a tourist city for all seasons.
The study highlights that tourists are attracted by the historical architecture and multiculturalism of Constanta. A logo inspired by emblematic elements, such as the Casino or Greek and Roman influences, could increase the city's international visibility . Although Mamaia already has a well-known brand, Constanta can benefit from its own visual identity that highlights its cultural heritage and its role as a "gateway to the Black Sea ".
The disadvantages of a separate logo for Constanța
The fragmentation of tourist perception seems to me the most dangerous. For foreign tourists, Constanța and Mamaia are often perceived as a single place. Creating two separate visual identities can generate confusion and affect the unitary promotion strategy of the seaside. On the other hand, the up to a thousand dizzy foreigners who have ended up here, only they know how, are a drop in an ocean.
Then, implementation costs . Creating a logo is just the beginning. Implementing a visual identity (leaflets, signage, promotional campaigns) requires significant investments, and prioritizing this project can raise questions, especially in the context where the tourism infrastructure still has many gaps.
What's next?
The logo competition runs until March 30, 2025, and the challenge is to create a symbol that reflects the warm, relaxed and cosmopolitan personality of Constanța. At the same time, the branding strategy must harmoniously integrate the Mamaia resort, so that tourists perceive the entire area as a coherent destination.
Competition calendar (January 17 – March 30, 2025)
• Registration: January 17 – March 15, 2025
• Public Vote: until March 21, 2025
• Jury vote: until March 28, 2025
• Announcement of the 3 initial winners: March 30, 2025
• Special prize (brandbook completion): until May 15, 2025
Jury and evaluation criteria
The submitted works will be analyzed both by the public (30% of the final average) and by a professional jury (70%). It brings together 11 branding and design specialists, tourism professionals, architects, representatives of the Constanta community and marketing experts.
Projects will be scored based on the following criteria:
1. Impact (35%) – originality, the power to attract attention.
2. Brand expression (35%) – how clearly they convey Constanța's personality and positioning.
3. Portability (30%) – the ease of adapting the design to various materials and durability over time.
All details regarding registration, the full brief, eligibility criteria and the format of the papers are available HERE.
