IAAPI ALL SET TO HOST 13TH AMUSEMENT EXPO IN PRAGATI MAIDAN

January 29, 2013

IAAPI all set to host 13^th Amusement Expo in Pragati Maidan

Mega leisure-entertainment industry event to showcase the best & the latest

 New Delhi, 28^th January, 2013: Amusement parks and Family Entertainment Centres (FEC) are a sunrise sector in India. There are 100 amusement parks and the same number of FECⳠin India and the number is likely to increase more than five times in the next decade.

Keeping in sync with the growth dynamics of this sector, Indian Association of Amusement Parks and Industries (IAAPI) a 260 member association is hosting its 13^th Amusement Expo in DelhiⳠPragati Maidan from January 29^th to 31^st.

IAAPI is an apex, non-profitable organization established in January, 1999. Their members comprise of amusement park operators, manufacturers, importers, traders, suppliers, distributors and other affiliated sectors of the amusement and leisure industry.

“Our members vary from manufacturers to operators and suppliers of amusement related equipment. We also assist new entrants in sourcing technical knowhow in setting up their own amusement parks,⒠says Yogesh Dange, 1^st Vice President IAAPI.

There is need to tap foreign visitors who at present comprise only 2 to 3 per cent of visitors of these parks in India. Compared to this around 59 per cent foreign visitors visit amusement parks in countries like US, Singapore and Australia.

A sure way of increasing footfalls in these parks is through publicity both done by the private sector and also through the government.

“Over a decade back when Anant Kumar was the tourism minister, he had said that there was a need to introduce information about amusement parks in their tourism brochures,⒠says Santokh Chawla, President IAAPI.

Entertainment tax levied on some of these parks acts as a deterrent in growth of business, this should be rationalized. Some states in a bid to give a boost to this segment have exempted these parks from paying entertainment tax.

“IndiaⳊfirst amusement park was Appu Ghar in Delhi which was set up during the Asian Games in 1982 in Pragati Maidan. Since it was the only of its kind, people visiting Delhi would make it a point to visit this place. Now with technological advancement the amusement parks are much more sophisticated and of international standards across the country. As a result there is a steady increase in the number of visitors in these parks,⒠says Ajay Sarin, Chairman Trade Show.

The cost of investment in an amusement park ranges from Rs 3 crore to over Rs 40 crore. The break-even period varies from 2 years to 5 years. The highest earnings come from tickets, followed by food and beverage sales and the last is merchandising.

IAAPI had commissioned Ernst and Young to conduct a study on this segment. According to the report, the amusement industry in India is worth over Rs 2,750 crore at present and is expected to reach Rs 5,400 crore by 2020.

The study further points out,“apart from providing entertainment, the growth of parks will act as a stimulus for the development of ancillary industries by building a social infrastructure within suburban and rural areas where these parks are generally located. Amusement parks are also known to create opportunities and generate employment in related sectors including raw material and equipment manufacturers, suppliers, transporters etc.Ⓖ/span>

“The upcoming Expo is expected to give a boost to this sector in India which is growing at a rate of 15 to 20 per cent. The Expo will have participants from across the globe including countries like Argentina, Canada, China, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Thailand, UAE, UK and USA. Out of the total 120 exhibitors there are 30 international equipment manufacturers taking part in the Expo,⒠says Dange.

This Expo will primarily be a B2B event wherein visitors would include architects, builders, developers, consultants, engineering firms, hoteliers, government officials, park operators and resort owners.

IAAPI will also organize training programmes and conferences during the course of the three days of the Expo.

“The amusement industry has huge potential and we have seen only increase in the footfalls over last couple of years which indicates that more number of people are looking for wholesome family entertainment destinations and amusement parks provide that opportunity where a family can spend quality time together,⒠says Dange.

For further information contact

Yeshi Seli, Head, Wular Media Strategy Consultants (M) 9811153128༯span>wularmedia@gmail.com,༯span>yeshiseli@gmail.com

Vipin Labroo (M) 9873981975༯span>labroovipin@gmail.com