Ed
McCourt

BACKGROUND

My first experiences in the travel industry began at Boston College where, in the early 1970’s, I was a campus representative for a Boston-based student charter operator.

Between 1973 and 1983, I worked in the travel agency setting, moving up to a management position at Colpitts Travel in Wellesley, MA. It was here that I honed my skills at planning itineraries to Ireland, Scotland, Wales and other Celtic lands.

After completing my CTC designation in 1983, I joined the Institute of Certified Travel Agents (now The Travel Institute) where I became director of the industry’s Certified Travel Counselor Program.

In 1987, I moved to Massachusetts Bay Community College where I coordinated the Travel and Tourism Management Program. At MassBay, I worked with students to develop their pathways into travel retailing, hospitality management, meeting planning and regional tourism development.

In 1998, I returned to travel retailing on a part-time basis, first at Charles River/Colpitts Travel and then at Quinwell Travel (both in Wellesley, MA). In 2007, I joined the professional team of travel experts at The Travel Collaborative (TTC)/Tzell Travel in Cambridge, MA where I am a full-time leisure agent.

MISSION

I seek to produce vacation experiences that meet - and exceed - the expectations of clients. My emphasis is on carefully determining client needs and wants, on suggesting options and on planning seamless leisure itineraries. Key to my success is the team of travel experts with whom I work and consult each day at TTC. And, as a part of TZELL/Travel Leaders, we access the most favorable industry rates for all travel products and services. This insures top value for our fine clients.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

I have a keen interest in arranging ocean cruises on smaller sized vessels where there is as much focus on specific regions/ports as there is on the vessel’s cuisine, entertainment and amenities. I'm a particular fan of the Arctic and polar programs of Silversea, Hurtigruten Voyages, UnCruise Adventures and Quark Expeditions. I hold agent certifications for each of these lines.

River itineraries are another focus. Whether gliding along the Danube of central Europe, the Chobe of south-central Africa or southeast Asia's Mekong, river cruises facilitate access to cultural and natural attractions. River vessels are much like fine hotels with excellent dining and comfortable accommodations, and, with an average of 150-guests, once docked, guests are out and about in just a few minutes. Over the past few years, I have escorted groups on the Rhone/Saone, Danube and Douro rivers.

I’m a member of the Tourism Ireland’s Shamrock Club and regularly plan individual and small group tours to Ireland. My knowledge of travel in Ireland has contributed to my understanding of other Celtic lands as Wales, Scotland and Brittany. I also have traveled extensively across Scandinavia and, just across the Baltic, I am most familiar with key attractions in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

Please do not be put off by this review of my specialties. In many ways, I continue to be a "generalist" in my craft. Whether you need assistance with a Rail Europe itinerary in France or a fly-drive program along the West Coast, I would be delighted to work with you.