India’s theme park landscape has flourished massively over the last 10 years. A report by Entrepreneur showed the sector to grow by five per cent every year with 80,000 individuals employed by the industry in 2019.
COVID-19 has proved to be the first bump in the road for India’s theme parks. The attractions were shut down on March 25 and have no indication of when they’ll reopen, causing great concern for those who work and represent the sector.
Under forthcoming Unlock-5 Guidelines presented by Indian Government, hotels, shopping malls, gyms, religious centres and museums are able to reopen on October 1. The Indian Association of Amusement Parks and Industries (IAAPI) who represent various attractions across the country are now calling on the Ministry to give the go ahead for theme parks to open on the same date.
Ajay Sarin Chairman of IAAPI said: “Over the last six months, the industry has faced job losses, salary reduction, and there has also been a closure of many businesses related to amusement sector due to the pandemic. Many of the smaller parks might not be able to open again as the event industry is highly capital intensive.”
Not only does IAAPI believe theme parks need to reopen to recover from financial losses, but will also provide some much needed enjoyment for India’s residents and boost domestic tourism. As most India’s theme parks are outside IAAPI are confident most of India’s theme parks will be able to enforce safe social distancing.
IAAPI are keen to work with the government to put necessary safety measures in place and implement new rules to the parks, with proposals to only allow visitors of over 15 years of age.
Elsewhere, Dubai Safari Park is set to open with new attractions.
