Universal Studios Set to Transform Entertainment in India with First-Ever Theme Park Near Gurugram A New Era for Indian Tourism Begins

Published on May 4, 2025

It had been conveyed that India was set to become part of a select group of countries to house a Universal Studios theme park, which would significantly influence global tourism circuits. With this development, India would join the ranks of the United States, Japan, Singapore, and China, where these globally-renowned entertainment parks had already left a mark. Industry experts believed that this inclusion would reshape the country’s tourism dynamics, elevate its profile on the world entertainment map, and boost inbound tourism in the coming years.

As had been indicated, the Universal Studios India project was expected to attract travelers from both domestic and international markets, thereby leading to a potential surge in hotel occupancy rates, airline bookings, and travel package demands throughout Northern India. The rise in tourist footfall was also predicted to generate a ripple effect in nearby regions, encouraging development of tourist-friendly infrastructure, as seen in the regions surrounding Hollywood and Osaka where similar parks already existed.

Boost to Travel Industry and Global Visitor Experience

The announcement of Universal Studios in Gurugram was understood to bring substantial change to the travel and hospitality industries in and around Delhi-NCR. Industry observers foresaw a dramatic rise in travel agency bookings, family tours, weekend getaways, and international visitors, especially from Southeast Asia and the Middle East, where India remained a popular tourist hub.

The fact that this Universal Studios would be an indoor theme park inside a 3-million-square-foot mall also meant that it could function year-round without the concerns of seasonal weather disruptions. This promised a consistent flow of travelers, which was crucial for sustaining associated businesses such as local restaurants, cafes, hotels, and public transportation services.

International tourists, it was believed, would find the new park appealing due to its location’s proximity to the Indira Gandhi International Airport and seamless access via Delhi Metro routes and national highways. This ease of travel, combined with India’s affordability, was seen as a compelling combination that would put Gurugram on the map for theme park tourism.

Infrastructure Advancements Expected in Haryana

Plans for the Universal Studios India had reportedly sparked immediate response from Haryana’s infrastructure authorities. The Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC) was said to have already begun planning major infrastructure upgrades around the park’s proposed location. As per reports, the park would be developed near the Dwarka Expressway, a prominent corridor close to Delhi-NCR, but falling within the administrative region of Haryana.

This strategic positioning was anticipated to transform the region into a key entertainment and tourism hub, spurring real estate development, retail expansions, and transportation projects. It was expected that travelers would experience quicker road commutes, enhanced last-mile connectivity, and better digital integration, particularly tailored for international tourism standards.

Economic Growth and Employment Potential

Industry insiders noted that the arrival of Universal Studios would not just mean a new entertainment destination, but would also signal significant economic growth for Haryana. As highlighted in preliminary discussions, the project was poised to generate extensive employment opportunities during both the construction and operational phases.

Jobs were expected in park operations, ride engineering, hospitality, maintenance, marketing, customer service, and security, leading to the upliftment of local livelihoods. Moreover, the emergence of support businesses—such as logistics, food vendors, merchandise outlets, and guided tourism services—was predicted to expand the employment web far beyond the theme park alone.

Project Highlights and Timeline

The Universal Studios theme park in India was slated to be developed inside an upcoming 3-million-square-foot mall along the Dwarka Expressway. Reports indicated that 300,000 square feet of the space had been allocated for the amusement park component. It had been emphasized that this park would incorporate themed zones, world-class rides, live entertainment shows, and family-friendly attractions similar to those available in Hollywood and Osaka.

In brief, the key highlights as reported were:

• Location: Near Dwarka Expressway, Haryana, close to Gurugram and Delhi-NCR.
• Structure: Indoor park within a 3-million-sq-ft mall.
• Accessibility: Connected via Delhi Metro, IGI Airport, and national highways.
• Employment: Multiple job opportunities in operations, hospitality, logistics, and support services.
• Global Comparison: Designed to match standards of Universal Studios Hollywood, Osaka, and Singapore.

This mega development was viewed as a step that could place India’s entertainment infrastructure in league with the world’s best, offering global tourists another strong reason to explore the National Capital Region.

Strategic Location Advantage

What had made the project even more noteworthy was its location advantage. The area near Dwarka Expressway was already undergoing massive urbanization and commercial planning. The proposed site’s closeness to Indira Gandhi International Airport, coupled with a growing network of Delhi Metro lines, was regarded as a deciding factor for choosing this particular location.

From the standpoint of international tourism, easy accessibility from the airport ensured that foreign tourists could integrate a visit to the theme park as part of their India itinerary without facing logistical hurdles. This, analysts suggested, could turn Delhi-NCR into a multi-day tourist destination, combining cultural heritage sites, shopping, and now, world-class entertainment.

Long-term Vision for Global Tourism Appeal

By introducing Universal Studios to India, the country was believed to be expanding its tourism canvas to include modern entertainment options alongside traditional cultural attractions. This blend of heritage and innovation was expected to appeal to a wider spectrum of travelers, from adventure-seekers and families to international leisure tourists.

It was anticipated that the park would become a tourism landmark, much like its counterparts in Singapore, Japan, and the United States, driving repeat visits and becoming a centerpiece in promotional tourism campaigns. Experts suggested that with proper implementation, India’s tourism sector could see sustained growth and international footfall, especially as the Asia-Pacific region continues to dominate global travel trends.