The Indian amusement show, IAAPI, received its usual cross-section of views from international visitors after its four-day run from Wednesday to today.
The show was held, as usual, at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai, a run-down location much-criticised by the foreign visitors. Mark Horwood, who led a team from London’s UDC, said: “You have to know what to expect from India. The show always works for us.”
But Prakash Vivekanand from Duabi’s ASI was more positive: “The venue was way better organised than previous editions of the show. Attendance was steady on the first two days of the show. Many were first time exhibitors too.
“For us, the show however did not reflect the growth in the number of FEC operations. Much more than import duties, varied gross revenue taxation structures levied by state governments across the country seem to be stifling this growth. Existing operators still prefer cheap equipment.
“This aspect was addressed with the president of IAAPI, Yogesh Dange, and IAAPI needs to address this aspect with the state and central governments. Mr Dange acknowledges the growth of the FEC sector in the past five years and feels that it is important for FEC operators to first come together as a unified platform and then IAAPI can make this representation. Mr Dange has offered full support of IAAPI to the FEC operators.
“The quality of FECs across the country remains poor barring a few exceptions. Safety standards at many FECs need to be immediately addressed. We live in an experience economy. If customer experience within an FEC or entertainment location is poor, the operators cannot expect increased spend or participation.
“Operators need more education and training on how to get the best revenue output from their FECs, operating redemption they way it should, the importance of layout, design, etc.
“Unless operators resolve to up the ante or new investors lead the way with refreshed ideas, the FEC industry in India may remain stifled even though the market offers tremendous potential. IAAPI needs to lead the way by both on the education front and by representing the industry, initially concentrating on the taxation issue.”
Pictured are (left to right) Nicci Rudd, Alberto Rodriguez, Mark Horwood and Paul Moriarty of UDC on their Bombay booth.
