IAAPI Expo 2026 Showcases Future of Amusement Industry

Mumbai — The 24th edition of the IAAPI Amusement Expo 2026 has transformed Mumbai into a vibrant hub for innovation, technology and global collaboration in the amusement and entertainment industry. Hosted at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Goregaon, the three-day event from March 10 to March 12 has drawn industry leaders, investors and technology pioneers from across the world.

Organized by the Indian Association of Amusement Parks and Industries (IAAPI), the expo has evolved into one of Asia’s most prominent business platforms dedicated to the amusement, theme park and entertainment sectors. Each year, the event brings together manufacturers, operators, investors and innovators to explore emerging technologies, build partnerships and discuss the future of entertainment experiences.

The 2026 edition has witnessed remarkable growth and participation. More than 210 exhibitors from 15 countries are showcasing their products, technologies and services at the expo. According to organizers, this represents nearly a 30 percent increase in participation compared to the previous year, reflecting the growing global interest in India’s rapidly expanding amusement and leisure market.

The opening ceremony was attended by Kandula Durgesh, Tourism and Culture Minister of Andhra Pradesh, who served as the chief guest. Addressing attendees at the inauguration, the minister highlighted the strong growth trajectory of India’s entertainment sector. He noted that the industry is currently expanding at an annual rate of approximately 15 percent and is projected to reach a market value of nearly ₹25,000 crore by the year 2030.

One of the major attractions at this year’s expo was the unveiling of the official mascot named “Gaja.” Inspired by the elephant, the mascot represents strength, stability and joy—values that align with the vibrant and family-friendly spirit of the amusement industry.

The exhibition floor features a wide array of innovations designed to transform visitor experiences in amusement parks and entertainment destinations. Visitors can explore advanced virtual reality attractions, next-generation water park rides, immersive digital entertainment systems and smart technologies designed to enhance park management and guest engagement.

These developments highlight the growing integration of technology in the leisure and entertainment sector. Industry experts believe that immersive experiences, interactive attractions and digital integration will play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of amusement parks.

Safety and operational standards have also been a major focus during the event. The IAAPI Safety Handbook was officially launched at the expo, providing comprehensive guidelines that align with international safety standards for amusement park rides and attractions. The handbook aims to help operators maintain high safety benchmarks while ensuring enjoyable experiences for visitors.

Speaking about the importance of the industry, IAAPI President Ankur Maheshwari emphasized that physical entertainment experiences continue to hold immense value even in a highly digital world. According to him, theme parks, amusement rides and immersive attractions offer real-world excitement and emotional engagement that virtual platforms cannot fully replicate.

Alongside the exhibition, the expo is hosting several industry sessions and discussions focusing on investment opportunities, innovation, operational safety and long-term strategies for growth. These sessions bring together global experts and industry leaders to exchange ideas and identify new avenues for expansion.

With strong international participation and increasing investment interest, IAAPI Expo 2026 underscores India’s rising influence in the global amusement and entertainment landscape. As the sector continues to expand, events like this are expected to play a key role in shaping the future of entertainment tourism in the country.