In the world of luxury travel, where excellence is a given and the highest standards are merely a starting point, news that truly resonates with the industry is rare. Yet, just such an announcement was recently made: the global luxury travel agency, Tully Luxury Travel, has been named among the first travel companies in the world to receive an official endorsement from the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide. This extraordinary recognition not only confirms the agency's status as a market leader but also sets a completely new standard of trust and quality in the entire bespoke travel planning sector.

This move by Forbes, an institution that has been synonymous with independent and rigorous luxury assessment for decades, marks a new era in which the spotlight is also placed on those who create flawless experiences behind the scenes – top travel advisors and agencies.

A Global Recognition for Excellence in Luxury Travel

The Forbes Travel Guide is the only independent, global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas, and, more recently, cruise ships. What sets it apart is its almost scientific methodology and absolute objectivity. Their anonymous professional inspectors conduct evaluations by staying at locations as regular guests, rating every service and facility against a list of up to 900 strict, objective standards. The key emphasis is on high-quality, personalized service—the kind of service that exceeds expectations and creates lasting memories. These inspectors travel anonymously and pay their own way, ensuring that no one can "buy" a rating or influence the outcome of the evaluation. Therefore, receiving a star or an endorsement from Forbes is one of the most esteemed accolades in the hospitality industry.

Now, for the first time, Forbes has extended its endorsement program to travel agencies. This creates a new, key indicator of excellence for travelers seeking top-tier travel planning services. The fact that Tully Luxury Travel was selected in the first, exclusive group of companies to bear this designation speaks volumes about their reputation and reliability. This endorsement signals to clients that the agency not only understands the world of luxury but also operates according to the highest standards prescribed by Forbes.

Who is Tully Luxury Travel?

Tully Luxury Travel is an award-winning global luxury travel agency serving a discerning international clientele. Founded in 1987 by Mary Jean Tully, the company began as "The Cruise Professionals," specializing in luxury cruises. Over the years, the agency evolved, expanding its expertise to all aspects of luxury tourism. Recognizing their clients' needs for comprehensive and unique experiences, the company underwent a rebranding in 2015 to become Tully Luxury Travel, a name that is now synonymous with tailor-made travel. Their expertise covers a wide range of services, from reservations at the world's most prestigious hotels, through creating fully personalized land tours and private safaris, to maintaining a leading position in the luxury cruise sector. The company's headquarters are located in the Canadian city of Mississauga, from where they coordinate operations for clients worldwide.

The Vision of Mary Jean Tully: Personalized Luxury and Philanthropy

At the heart of Tully Luxury Travel's success is its founder and CEO, Mary Jean Tully. Often called the "Queen of Cruises," Tully is known in the industry as a visionary, entrepreneur, and also a passionate philanthropist and conservation advocate. Her career and reputation are built on a deep understanding of the essence of luxury. Her core philosophy, encapsulated in the slogan "Luxury Defined by You®" (Luxury is defined by You), permeates every aspect of the agency's operations. This approach means that for Tully Luxury Travel, no two journeys are the same, because true luxury is not found in the price or popularity of a destination, but in the perfect alignment of the journey with the individual desires, passions, and dreams of each client.

Mary Jean Tully has personally traveled the world, from the African savannas to the frozen landscapes of Antarctica, gaining invaluable first-hand knowledge. Her passion for wildlife conservation, particularly in Africa where poaching and human-wildlife conflict pose a serious threat, is woven into the company's DNA. Clients are encouraged to travel with purpose, offering them opportunities to contribute to local communities and conservation projects. It is this combination of expertise, personal passion, and an ethical approach that sets Mary Jean Tully and her agency apart in the global market.

More Than Travel: Creating Transformational Experiences

The expertise of Tully Luxury Travel lies not just in organizing trips, but in curating unique, often transformational experiences. Their ability to achieve this is based on long-standing, strong relationships with the world's leading luxury brands. Whether it's hotel chains like Four Seasons and Rosewood, exclusive safari camps such as Singita, or the world's most prestigious cruise ships, Tully Luxury Travel provides its clients with access and service that are often unavailable to others. This could mean a private museum tour after hours, a dinner with a celebrity chef, exclusive access to events, or simply the best cabin on the ship. It is precisely these details that turn a standard trip into an experience that is remembered for a lifetime.

Their team of travel designers consists of experienced professionals who possess knowledge gained from their own experiences in the destinations they sell. Their global reach, managed from their headquarters in Mississauga, allows them to create complex, multi-destination itineraries with flawless logistics. The awards they have collected over the years, such as being the top global producer for Crystal Cruises for 26 consecutive years, confirm their exceptional position and the trust they enjoy from both partners and clients.

What Does the Forbes Endorsement Mean for Travelers?

For clients, the new Forbes endorsement for Tully Luxury Travel serves as the ultimate seal of quality and reliability. In an industry flooded with information and offers, this designation acts as a clear and dependable guide. It guarantees that the agency operates according to the highest standards of service, integrity, and professionalism. This means travelers can have full confidence that their experience will be carefully designed and flawlessly executed. Mary Jean Tully's own statement best summarizes the meaning of this recognition: "We are honored to be among the first companies in the world to receive this coveted Forbes endorsement. It reflects our commitment to providing transformative experiences for our clients worldwide and our belief that true luxury is defined by the individual." This endorsement confirms that choosing this agency is choosing a partner verified by the most authoritative name in the world of luxury.