“We need one Tripti Pandey in every state," said Member of Parliament Priya Dutt Roncon, handing over the IMC Woman of the Year 2007 Award to the elegant Tripti Pandey at a glittering function held in Mumbai. Tripti Pandey, sister of famous singer Ila Arun, bears a remarkable resemblance to her. She holds the office of the Deputy Director of Rajasthan Tourism and has been credited with revolutionising the tourism business in that colourful state over the past few years. She is also sister to India's famous ad guru Piyush Pandey, who is currently group president and national creative director of O & M India.
"Tripti has brought a unique passion to the promotion of tourism with her brilliant ideas and the results are there for all of us to see," said Priya, "A panel of leading travel agents has voted for her to get this award and this says a great deal about her work. She has brought recognition and credit to all women who work hard to make India a preferred destination for tourists worldwide. During the last few years, we have seen that the number of tourists visiting India's heritage sites and cultural centres has more than doubled. Tourism to India is on an upswing and we are looking forward to a great future for the industry which will bring in millions of dollars to India."
Tripti Pandey is aware of the great strides tourism has made in her state. In her acceptance speech, the burning passion she brings to her job as deputy director of Rajasthan Tourism was more than evident. "I believe that we are barking up the wrong tree if we promote something that tourists can get anywhere in the world. For instance, river rafting, skiing in the snows, fishing, trekking etc. are pastimes and adventures tourists can experience anywhere in Europe or America. What tourists cannot get anywhere in the world is our unique culture, architecture, heritage structures, our unique foods and tastes...  To foreign visitors, India is the friendliest country in the world and they see the difference upon arrival at any port of entry. ”
"I sincerely believe that this is the India we should market to the world. People who come from other countries want to see this outstanding personality of India and experience its colour, joy and friendship,” she says.
Tripti has followed her heart and created the Desert Festival in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, which attracts thousands every year. The festival showcases the traditional art, folk music and festivals of the region. She has also written several coffee table books on the state. Examples: Where Silence Sings describes the folk music and dances of Rajasthan. Rajasthan's Silver Jewellery - A Loving Legacy, is a collection of jewellery designs peculiar to the state. Finally, Pushkar - Colours of Indian Mystique, describes the holy town and its significance in Indian culture.
Tripti has spent almost a quarter century in promoting tourism in India. She has been a member of several national and international forums and has used these platforms to spread an awareness of India and its attractions. She is the recipient of the Australian President's Gold Medal for her unique concepts of cultural tourism, a brand that she has promoted consistently. "I promote Indian destinations for Indians too," she concludes, "Most wealthy Indians think of only foreign locations when they plan their annual holidays. I entreat them to consider destinations in India and have two holidays a year, one in India and one abroad. There is so much to see in India and so much to learn about our roots. The journey to our cultural roots brings wonderful discoveries and gives us our identity. Every Indian must see his country and experience its wonderful vibrancy and colour.”