New Delhi, Mar 18: The Indian Association of Amusement Parks and Industries (IAAPI) has announced the continuation of its top leadership for a second consecutive term, signaling stability and sustained momentum for India’s amusement and attractions industry.
Ankur Maheshwary has been reappointed as Chairman, with Prashant Kanoria and Maneesh Verma returning as 1st and 2nd Vice Chairmen, respectively. The new tenure will commence on April 1, 2026, and continue through March 31, 2027.
A Landmark Year of Growth and Progress
The leadership renewal follows a milestone year for IAAPI, marked by several key achievements:
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Membership Expansion: The association has grown to over 650 members, strengthening its industry representation
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Brand Development: Launch of “Gaja”, IAAPI’s mascot, enhancing brand visibility and recall
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Safety & Standards: Release of a professional Safety Handbook and a white paper on Indoor Amusement Centers (IACs)
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Policy Advocacy: Continued efforts to secure Industry Status for the amusement sector and advocate for GST rationalization to 5%
IAAPI is also actively collaborating with the Ministry of Tourism on a comprehensive strategy to integrate amusement hubs into India’s broader tourism ecosystem.
Vision for 2026–27: Boosting Domestic Manufacturing
Under the continued leadership of Ankur Maheshwary, IAAPI has outlined an ambitious roadmap with a strong focus on domestic manufacturing. The vision aims to position India as a global hub for amusement product manufacturing.
“In a five-year timeline, India can transition from being a net importer to a net exporter of amusement products,” said Maheshwary.
Strategic Focus Areas
To achieve this vision, IAAPI will focus on:
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Policy Alignment: Collaborating with central and state governments to support manufacturing infrastructure through schemes and subsidies
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Ecosystem Development: Encouraging park operators and IAC players to mentor and support domestic manufacturers
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Global Collaboration: Promoting joint ventures between Indian and international manufacturers
Data-Driven Industry Growth
As part of its forward-looking strategy, IAAPI plans to establish a dedicated research and analytics function. This initiative will provide members with valuable insights into seasonality trends, sales patterns, and global industry shifts, enabling more informed decision-making.
