7th IAAPI Exhibition Reflects Amusement Industry's Growth Potential

Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

With India pegged as a more lucrative and faster growing amusement industry than China, the 30% increase in exhibitors and a 100% increase of delegates at IAAPI's recently concluded 7th annual tradeshow reflected the strong growth potential of the sector. The IAAPI is Indian amusement's apex body and this year's conclave and trade show received the largest ever gathering of investors, park operators and ride and equipment manufacturers from India and abroad.

This year was significant as a number of first-time investors/operators - successful businessmen from other industries - were seen analysing trends and scouting for investment opportunities in a growth oriented sector which saw an all-round 25% growth last year, gate records of 300 million and a gross nation-wide turnover of Rs. 5,000 crore.

IAAPI, the only authentic information source on the Indian amusement industry, sees the industry expanding into India's vast hinterland. The greatest growth potential is of the enormous amount of dormant/under-utilised land i.e. areas around metros, Tier 2 cities and even land along highways. "A theme/water park requires as little as 3 acres. There are a large number of these tracts of land, unsuitable for many purposes, but ideal for amusement and leisure purposes," says Rajen Shah, president, IAAPI.

Interest from hotels and resorts is a good example of this trend. With anywhere from ½ an acre onwards to utilise; hotel and resort owners were seen looking at small kiddie 'dry' parks/play areas while others were considering full scale theme/water parks to compliment and/or augment their current operations.

In terms of exhibitors, the year 2007 set a record for the highest number, 75 (124 stalls); from 15 countries (Argentina, Belgium, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, USA and India). Many Organisations such as Sega Corporation (Japan), Preston & Barbieri (Italy) and nWave Pictures SA (Belgium) are world-renowned brands looking to bring their latest technology and concepts to the sub-continent. India's largest amusement ride and game manufacturers; Arihant Industrial Corp., Saya Amusement Mfg. and Bombay Amusement Rides, also had a strong presence.

A key first timer was the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards), which held a seminar on 'Safety in Amusement Rides and Water Parks'. The BIS in association with the IAAPI is expected to explore a new quality standard for the industry.

ABOUT IAAPI

The Indian Association of Amusement Parks and Industries (IAAPI), established in 1999 is a non-profitable organization, comprising of operators, manufacturers, importers, traders, suppliers, distributors and other related industrialists from the amusement, leisure and entertainment industry in India. IAAPI is the only authentic source of information for the industry in India.

IAAPI has played a pivotal role in the development of inbound and domestic tourism and has generated significant development in this sector. IAAPI's existence has been essential to enfold the entire industry under one umbrella and give it a united voice. Being a representative body of the industry, IAAPI provides a suitable platform for its members to present their perspective.

VISION

Keeping the ultimate users in mind, IAAPI intends be a body to influence the decision of policy makers, investors and the fraternity, which should lead to the growth of the sector.

OBJECTIVES

The association's prime objective is:

-- To promote, encourage, protect, and safeguard the interests of the sector.

-- To promote, encourage, protect and safeguard the interests of the manufacturers and suppliers of various infrastructural amenities and facilities pertaining to the industry.

-- To collate information relating to amusement, leisure and entertainment, and be an authentic source of information and to advice on the opening, operating, managing and functioning of the industry's operations of various types, styles, designs and objects.

-- To maintain high standards of service to its members.

Please visit www.iaapi.org For the latest Tradeshow and Industry updates

To view the photographs click the links below:

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Alan D'Mello, Hotel Fortunes, +91 9821885468 alan@hotelfortunes.com

Source: Indian Association of Amusement Parks and Industries (Business Wire India)

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