Disneyland buzz puts focus on theme park woes

Speculation over a Disneyland coming up in Manesar near Gurugram has put the focus on the challenges that the theme park and entertainment zone business in India has faced over the years.

- Lata Jha

From easier land acquisition norms to less ambiguous policy and tax concessions, various incentives are required to bolster what could be a booming tourism and employment opportunity that remains untapped in the country. While the returns on investment may take up to 10 years, the hope lies in the country's growing affluent consumer base that seeks diverse entertainment experiences.

“India’s lag in large-scale theme parks stems from multiple structural challenges,” said Tarandeep Singh Sekhon, chief business officer of KidZania India, an edutainment theme park operator. “Firstly, land acquisition is expensive and complex, especially near urban centres where such parks are viable. Then, regulatory clearances span state and central bodies. Add to this the high capital investment with long gestation periods and private players tread cautiously.”