Off The Beaten Path

How the Founder & CEO of Tully Luxury Travel, Mary Jean Tully, is transforming vacations into life changing experiences.

You founded The Cruise Professionals in 1987 and in 30 years you’ve grown from a small boutique agency into Tully Luxury Travel, a multi-faceted organization offering safari adventures, premium cruises, and tailor-made travel experiences; what’s your secret to success?

It’s so important to really talk to your clients, and to listen. Nobody wants a cookie cutter vacation anymore. People want an experience, they want to create memories and they want to be wowed.

In an ever-growing digital world, how has Tully Luxury Travel maintained an authentic travel agent experience?

The relationships we have with our clients and travel suppliers cannot be found online. We offer a personalized approach. We have relationships with general managers and concierges at hotels; we know private drivers all over the world.

How do you define luxury?

The word luxury means different things to different people. It’s not always just about the price. The best experiences save you time, unnecessary expenses, and headaches.

You commit much of your time to protecting wildlife in Africa. How did you become such a dedicated conservationist?

I have experienced some of the most luxurious and wonderful things throughout my travels, but traveling to Africa has made me the happiest. It has touched my heart and nourished my soul in ways that no other travel experience has come close. The accommodations and the people who run these incredible lodges are second to none. I feel enriched and at peace.

How do you share your passion for the protection of African wildlife with Tully Luxury Travel’s clientele?

We arrange one-of-kind African experiences, whether it’s giving back by moving rhinos safely from South Africa to Botswana, or by supporting the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage. There are many amazing community and antipoaching missions that we’re involved with.

Where are you off to next?

I will be speaking at a Conservation Conference in Cape Town and then doing a safari. After that I will be stopping in Dubai to tour some of the new hotels and the new cruise terminal. It is crucial to be on top of all that is fresh. A well-informed Travel Designer is key. — Brad Cotton