Ankur Maheshwary Appointed Chairman at IAAPI — Continuity Signals Sector-Wide Growth Push

India’s apex industry body for amusement parks and attractions, the Indian Association of Amusement Parks and Industries (IAAPI), has confirmed the continuation of its leadership team, with Ankur Maheshwary reappointed as Chairman for a second consecutive term. The decision reinforces leadership continuity at a time when the sector is increasingly aligning with India’s broader tourism and infrastructure growth narrative.

Career Foundation

Over the years, Ankur Maheshwary has built his professional grounding within the amusement and attractions industry, developing an understanding of operational frameworks that underpin large-scale entertainment formats. His early involvement in the sector provided exposure to safety protocols, infrastructure planning, and guest experience design, all of which are central to sustainable park operations.

As his role within industry networks expanded, Maheshwary became closely associated with advocacy efforts aimed at improving regulatory clarity and fostering collaboration between stakeholders. This exposure enabled him to engage with both private operators and policy frameworks, shaping a perspective that balances operational realities with long-term industry growth.

Most Recent Role and Key Achievements

During his previous tenure as Chairman of IAAPI, Maheshwary oversaw a period marked by measurable expansion and structured initiatives. The association’s membership base crossed 650, reflecting broader industry participation and stronger engagement across operators, suppliers, and allied businesses.

A key milestone included the introduction of a distinct brand identity element in the form of a mascot, aimed at improving visibility and recall within the sector. Parallelly, IAAPI advanced its focus on safety and standardisation through the release of a comprehensive handbook and an industry-focused white paper addressing indoor amusement centres.

On the policy front, the leadership actively pursued formal industry recognition and advocated for tax rationalisation, positioning the sector as an integral part of India’s tourism ecosystem. The association also initiated collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, contributing to a strategic framework that integrates amusement infrastructure into national tourism planning.

Education and Professional Competencies

While specific academic credentials are not publicly highlighted, Maheshwary’s competencies are reflected in his ability to align industry stakeholders, navigate policy environments, and drive structured growth initiatives. His leadership approach centres on combining operational insight with advocacy, enabling a more cohesive industry ecosystem.

Scope of New Role

In his renewed term at IAAPI, Maheshwary will continue to guide the association’s strategic direction, with a sharper emphasis on developing domestic manufacturing capabilities for amusement products. Alongside him, Prashant Kanoria and Maneesh Verma will continue as Vice Chairmen, ensuring continuity across leadership functions.

The upcoming term is expected to focus on reducing dependence on imports by strengthening local production ecosystems. This includes facilitating collaboration between manufacturers and park operators, encouraging joint ventures with global partners, and aligning government support mechanisms across central and state levels.

Maheshwary has outlined a forward-looking vision where India transitions into a net exporter of amusement equipment within the next five years, signalling a shift from consumption-led growth to production-led expansion. The leadership continuity reflects a strategic intent to build long-term structural strength within the sector.

Closing line

The reappointment of Ankur Maheshwary underscores IAAPI’s focus on sustained growth, policy alignment, and building a stronger domestic ecosystem for India’s amusement and attractions industry.