OTT’s POP Awards crowned the destinations, airlines, cruise lines, accommodation and visitor attractions which had attracted the most agents course passes as well as the industry’s marketing maestros.

The Awards also honoured OTT’s Gurus – agents who have taken OTT courses to expand their knowledge, helping their customers to make more informed choices and making more sales.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be speaking to some of our Gurus and finding out more on how they use OTT to expand their knowledge.

This week, we catch up with our Cruise Consultant Guru and OTT Legend, Mary Isaac of Cruise 1st Holidays…

What does your company specialise in?

Cruises, not surprisingly! We also offer tailor-made and tour operator options combined with land tours and hotel stays.

When did you first start using OTT?

I started using it way back in 2017 when I started my travel career and have enjoyed learning through OTT ever since!

How many courses have you taken?

I have now taken 150 OTT courses, but when I won my award, it was 138 - someone had done more than 300. I was amazed!

How does OTT help your professional development?

It helps in many ways, including uncovering the hidden gems that are detailed within the courses. Our customers value information that they wouldn't be able to get anywhere else.

How do you fit OTT’s courses into your working life?

I take OTT courses in my free time rather than during my shifts. It’s almost like a hobby for me (sad but it’s true)! I’m obsessed with all things travel related!

Name your favourite course – and why?

Probably the Hurtigruten courses. I didn’t know much about them, but now I feel I know so much more! Also, with that course I was sent free chocolate through the post, so I can’t complain!

What’s your top tip to those on the journey to becoming a Guru?

The best advice I can give is to expose yourself to as many courses as possible, feed your brain with as much knowledge as possible. And be sure to tell your customers - this will help you to excel in your job and make it all worthwhile.

What’s been your favourite travel adventure?

My favourite travel adventure has got to be travelling to Bolivia and visiting the salt flats there and sitting in genuine fossilised dinosaur footprints on the top of South American mountains. It was a surreal moment!