Carnival of the Amusement Industry in Mumbai 

Mumbai (Anil Bedag): The city of dreams, Mumbai, has become the center of excitement and innovation as the IAAPI Amusement Expo 2026 opened in grand style at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Goregaon. Marking its 24th edition, the three-day event from March 10 to 12 has emerged as one of the largest business platforms for the amusement and entertainment industry not only in India but across Asia. Industry leaders, investors and technology companies from around the world have gathered to explore new opportunities and shape the future of entertainment.
This year’s expo is bigger and more dynamic than ever before. More than 210 exhibitors from 15 countries are participating in the exhibition, reflecting a remarkable 30 percent growth compared to last year. The strong international presence highlights the growing potential of India’s amusement and theme park industry and the increasing confidence of global investors in the market.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by Andhra Pradesh Tourism and Culture Minister Kandula Durgesh as the chief guest. Speaking on the occasion, he emphasized the rapid growth of India’s entertainment sector, stating that the industry is expanding at an annual rate of around 15 percent and is expected to reach ₹25,000 crore by 2030.
One of the highlights of this year’s event was the unveiling of the official mascot “Gaja.” Inspired by the elephant, the mascot symbolizes strength, stability and joy—qualities that reflect the vibrant spirit of the amusement industry. The expo floor is filled with cutting-edge innovations including virtual reality experiences, advanced water park rides, immersive digital technologies and smart entertainment systems, offering a glimpse into the future of theme parks and attractions.
Safety has also been given significant importance at the event. On this occasion, the IAAPI Safety Handbook was launched, providing guidelines aligned with global standards to ensure the safe operation of amusement parks and rides.
IAAPI President Ankur Maheshwari noted that even in the digital age, physical experiences and real-world thrills continue to hold unique value. According to him, theme parks and entertainment destinations offer a level of excitement and engagement that the virtual world cannot fully replace.
With a series of sessions focused on investment, safety, innovation and future strategies, the three-day expo is set to play a crucial role in shaping the next chapter of India’s entertainment tourism industry. The strong participation of global players indicates that India is steadily emerging as a major hub for amusement and leisure experiences on the international stage.