Imagicaaworld Entertainment has unveiled plans to invest up to ₹10 billion (£77 million/$104 million) over the next five to six years as it accelerates its Imagicaaworld expansion across India. The strategy will see the operator enter major metropolitan markets while increasing its portfolio from nine parks to 13.
Managing director Jai Malpani told Reuters the company intends to focus first on India’s tier-one cities, including Bengaluru, Hyderabad and the National Capital Region around New Delhi. The expansion comes as consumer spending increasingly shifts towards leisure and entertainment experiences rather than physical goods, a trend identified by property consultancy CBRE.
Imagicaaworld currently operates attractions across western India, including its flagship destination at Khopoli near Mumbai, alongside parks in Surat and Indore. The company has also diversified in recent months through investments in water parks and indoor entertainment, including the planned launch of India’s first Hello Park in Hyderabad.
The Imagicaaworld expansion would strengthen the company’s position in a market where it competes with established operator Wonderla Holidays. According to Grand View Research, India’s amusement park sector is forecast to grow from US$6.96 billion in 2026 to US$11.36 billion by 2033, supported by rising disposable incomes, improved transport infrastructure and increasing domestic tourism.
Alongside its investment programme, the company plans to improve profitability after a challenging financial year. Ticket prices are expected to increase by between five and eight per cent during the December quarter, while promotional discounts will be reduced to offset higher labour and electricity costs. Management is targeting revenue growth in the high single to double digits during fiscal 2027, with EBITDA margins recovering to between 40 and 43 per cent.
Revenue fell nine per cent to ₹3.74 billion in the last financial year, while EBITDA margins declined from 42.8 per cent to 31 per cent. The company attributed the weaker performance to an early monsoon season and disruption caused by the India–Pakistan conflict, both of which affected visitor numbers during the crucial summer trading period. Following news of the expansion plans, Imagicaaworld’s share price rose by more than four per cent during trading.
Image: Imagicaaworld
