The Indian Association of Amusement Parks and Industries seek Government support to resolve issues such as high, multiple and differential taxation at State-level, funding and land requirements. The growth of amusement parks will help improving the flow of tourists, which will result in increased tax revenues to the State Government concerned.
“The industry should be accorded ‘social infrastructure' status,” said Mr Santokh Chawla, President of the Association and Managing Director of Polo Amusement Park Ltd.
According to him, the amusement parks industry in India is of the size of Rs 7,000 crore and “has been growing exponentially in the last few years”.
There are over 150 such amusement parks (including water theme parks) in India, and more are coming up across the country.
Besides, export of rides from India to various countries, including the US, has been growing year-on-year.
To promote this trade and to showcase India as a key sourcing destination for international quality rides, the apex body is organising the 12th edition of Amusement Expo in Mumbai.
The three-day expo, scheduled for March 1-3 will have over 200 exhibitors from India and other countries, and will attract park operators, engineering firms, architects and consultants from countries such as Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, Germany, UAE, the UK and the US, he said.