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IAAPI Leadership Reappointed: They Immediately Lay a Bold Vision for Indian Manufacturing

Published On: 16 March 2026

In a move that signals stability and confidence, the Indian Association of Amusement Parks and Industries (IAAPI) announced during its award ceremony on March 10, 2026, that its top leadership will continue for a second consecutive term.

Ankur Maheshwary has been reappointed as Chairman, with Prashant Kanoria and Maneesh Verma returning as 1st and 2nd Vice Chairmen, respectively. The new tenure is set to begin on April 1, 2026, and will run through March 31, 2027.

The decision follows a landmark year for the association, characterized by significant milestones:

• Membership Surge: IAAPI’s membership base has grown to over 650 members.
• Brand Identity: The introduction of Gaja, the association's mascot, has successfully boosted brand recall.
• Safety & Standardization: The publication of a professional Safety Handbook and a white paper on Indoor Amusement Centers (IACs).
• Policy Advocacy: Active pursuit of Industry Status for the amusement sector and a push for GST rationalization to 5%.

The association is also currently collaborating with the Ministry of Tourism on a comprehensive strategy paper to further integrate amusement hubs into India’s tourism map.

Chairman Ankur Maheshwary has laid out an ambitious roadmap for the 2026–2027 term, shifting the focus toward domestic manufacturing. Maheshwary envisions a future where Indian-made amusement products not only match but exceed international standards.

"In a five-year timeline, India can transition from being a net importer to a net exporter of amusement products," Maheshwary stated.

To achieve this, he emphasized a three-pronged approach:

1. Aligning Central and State governments to support manufacturing infrastructure through various schemes and subsidies.
2. Encouraging park and IAC operators to "hand-hold" domestic manufacturers to grow the ecosystem together.
3. Joint Ventures of Indian manufacturers with International manufacturers.

Data-Driven Growth: IAAPI plans to engage a dedicated analytical partner to act as a research wing, providing members with critical data on seasonality, sales trends, and emerging global shifts.