Unprecedented Investment Interest and Historic Industry Pacts Mark the Largest IAAPI Amusement Expo Yet

The Indian Association of Amusement Parks and Industries has successfully concluded its most expansive and impactful edition of the IAAPI Amusement Expo to date. The latest edition recorded an impressive 30% growth, making it the biggest in the association’s history. The event attracted an exceptional turnout of high-quality buyers, international amusement consultants, and global investors, further strengthening India’s position as a key player in the global leisure and entertainment industry.

The expo received strong backing from the states of Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Telangana as official State Partners, underlining the increasing focus on experiential tourism and entertainment infrastructure at the governmental level.

The event was inaugurated by Chief Guest Kandula Durgesh, setting a progressive tone for the industry. A major milestone marked the opening ceremony with the launch of the first-ever comprehensive Safety Handbook for amusement operations. Developed over two years by leading experts, this guide reflects the industry’s commitment to enhancing safety standards and operational excellence.

While safety and business discussions remained central, the exhibition floor was vibrant and dynamic. The industry’s mascot, “Gaja,” emerged as a major attraction, drawing attention and adding an engaging, energetic atmosphere across the venue.

Beyond the exhibition, the expo delivered significant value through a series of concurrent events and strategic initiatives. The Safety Conclave, integrated into the main event, saw strong participation, reinforcing the sector’s proactive approach to safety training, risk management, and visitor security.

During the IAC Connect session, IAAPI, in collaboration with ANAROCK, unveiled the first detailed White Paper on Indoor Amusement Centres (IACs) in India. The report offers critical insights into one of the fastest-growing segments of the entertainment industry, providing valuable data for stakeholders and investors.

The momentum continued at the grand Award Night, which witnessed the signing of key strategic agreements. IAAPI entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Shopping Centres Association of India to encourage knowledge exchange and collaborative training, bridging the gap between retail and entertainment sectors. Additionally, the state of Andhra Pradesh announced a landmark MoU for the development of a world-class amusement park in Visakhapatnam, backed by an investment of ₹100 crore, significantly boosting regional tourism prospects.

The scale of the event, record-breaking participation from both domestic and international stakeholders, and the signing of major agreements signal a strong growth trajectory for India’s amusement industry. With its membership reaching an all-time high of 650, IAAPI continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the sector, driving innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth across the industry.