Mumbai, Feb 2: A maiden trade show organised by the Indian Association of Amusement Parks and Industries (IAPPI) started in Mumbai on Friday. The three-day show, inaugurated by Union minister for tourism, Ananth Kumar, will be attended by eighty exhibitors from the amusement, entertainment and leisure industries.According to Mr Kumar, the objective was to ensure that amusement parks will form an important part of tourism destinations in India. "There is a tremendous opportunity for this business in India," the minister said. He added that amusement parks will provide a tremendous fillip to the tourism industry.
IAPPI president Ashok Goel said that the industry deserved more favourable attention by the government, adding that entertainment tax was a key area of concern for the industry. "Each state has a different tax rate and we need a uniform rate across the country," he said. He also urged the government to take a relook at the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) policy. Currently, no development is allowed on the waterfront. The IAPPI has requested the government to recognise the amusement park industry under the National Tourism Policy.
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