Selling Oberammergau: An Interview With Trafalgar’s Gavin Tollman And Insight Vacations’ Ulla Hefel Böhler
Once every 10 years, more than 1,500 residents of the German town of Oberammergau re-enact the Passion of Christ in a world-famous performance known as the Passion Play. Oberammergau has been performing the play every decade since 1634, honoring an oath its villagers took in return for God sparing them from the bubonic plague that was ravaging the town.
The five-hour show goes on five days a week from May through October, in an open-air theater that seats almost 5,000 people.
TMR sat down last week with Trafalgar CEO Gavin Tollman and Ulla Hefel Böhler, CEO of Insight Vacations and Luxury Gold, to talk about Oberammergau and the opportunity it offers travel agents selling Europe.
Here’s an edited version of our conversation:
TMR: What do you think travel advisors should know about Oberammergau and the opportunity it offers to sell guided tours?
Gavin Tollman: First and foremost, I’d encourage agents to read up on Oberammergau – the history and cultural significance attached to this tradition is immense. The legacy of this play is true testament to the meaning of the word commitment – a pledge that’s been adhered to since 1634 and continues to occur in its true essence and still invokes the value of community spirit. This small town in Bavaria comes together in recognition of its deliverance from the Great Plague. It’s a humbling experience to feel a part of as you mix with the locals who are so passionate about the legacy of their town and preserving it for future