HBI Staff | Mumbai 
A renowned author of books and columns on travel, Colleen Gantzer passed away on Wednesday 6th November, at the age of 90. She co-authored the articles with her husband, Hugh. According to her family she had been ailing for some time.
Both of them have been contributors to TravelBiz Monitor, and Hospitality Biz since inception.
With her passing away, the writing world has lost one of its finest gems that articulated the various facets of a journey in each of her piece, marking an end of an era in travel writing.
Known for her deeply insightful and meticulously crafted work, she was an icon whose contributions spanned decades. Alongside her husband, Hugh Gantzer, she chronicled India’s landscapes and cultures, elevating the travel experience for readers across generations.
Their home in Mussoorie, ‘Oakbrook,’ became a beacon of Indian travel literature, and her pioneering role as the first travel columnist for The Indian Express set the foundation for her prolific career. Her dedication to documenting the diverse heritage and hidden gems of India is reflected in her 30-plus books, thousands of articles, and 52 documentaries broadcast on Doordarshan. Colleen’s exceptional achievements were recognised with accolades, including two Gold Awards from the Pacific Asia Travel Association and a rare National Tourism Lifetime Achievement Award.
In a tribute to her in 2017, even the Prime Minister’s Office acknowledged her monumental work Intriguing India, which showcased her vast research and love for the country. Her work not only educated but inspired wanderlust in readers worldwide, and she will be remembered as a trailblazer in the world of travel writing.
