A New Chapter Begins
After decades transforming tech challenges into victories for small businesses and nonprofits at the helm of Tech Help Boston, Dave Elmasian is ready to fully embrace his love of travel. It was a Unicorn Tours adventure he and his wife, Susan, took during the 20th anniversary season that opened his eyes to what his next chapter could be.
The tour, the community of people he met, and of course his interaction with Unicorn Tours founder, Mary Lou Zirnheld essentially sealed the deal. As the new owner of Unicorn Tours, Dave explains the path forward, “…my goal is to preserve the core values of Unicorn Tours while embracing change. We’re not just introducing convenient booking options, we’re expanding our horizons with exciting new destinations.”
David reassures, “Our classic itineraries and beloved pick-up locations remain, but we are excited to curate new tours with new partners and we look forward to creating unforgettable experiences.”
Dave also wants to build a community that plays a role in curating new tours. “We want our community to feel heard, we want their ideas and we look forward to meeting them in person to hear their ideas.”
The Inception of Unicorn Tours
In the spirited words of its founder, Mary Lou Zirnheld, Unicorn Tours embarked on its remarkable journey in 1999. Fresh from a Professional Tour Director Certification program, Mary Lou ventured into the world of travel with a vision to craft tours that went beyond the ordinary.
She recalls, “Starting with a deep-rooted love for travel and history, and armed with extensive knowledge of diverse destinations, I began curating unique itineraries. My ambition? To offer something exceptional.” This ambition led her to a pivotal meeting with AAA Merrimack Valley, resulting in a collaboration that would lay the groundwork for what Unicorn Tours would become.
After a successful two-year partnership, changes at AAA Merrimack Valley spurred Mary Lou to establish Unicorn Tours as a direct-to-public venture. Her passion and dedication shaped the company into a beloved travel companion for many.
Passing the Torch
In October 2023, Unicorn Tours founder Mary Lou Zirnheld made the heartfelt decision to retire. After careful consideration, she entrusted the future of Unicorn Tours to Dave Elmasian, a seasoned entrepreneur with a shared passion for travel. Mary Lou shares, “I’m thrilled to pass the reins to Dave. His introduction of modern conveniences like online booking and credit card payments as well his passion for adventure and top notch customer service will usher in a new era for Unicorn Tours.”
