Anja Brokjans, the outgoing director of the German National Tourist Office, on her favourite Christmas market, go-to karaoke song and much more
We were very sad to learn that the German National Tourist Office in Canada is closing on Dec. 31. What have been some of your favourite moments as the director of the GNTO?
I joined VoX International and assumed the role as director Canada for the GNTO in the middle of the pandemic. My on-boarding was remote. I wasn’t able to meet people or even send people to Germany to experience the country. The favourite moment was truly when travel restrictions were lifted and Canadians were able to travel to Germany again; actually when we were all able to travel again.
The first “in-person” Christmas inspired event in December 2021 was also very special to me: I finally met all the people from the travel industry in person for the first time who I only knew from Zoom calls.
Soon after that I travelled with a group of trade and media representatives to see the Passion Play in Oberammergau for the Germany Travel Mart. For the first time in the history of the Passion Play in Oberammergau we were granted exclusive access to the dress rehearsal of the Passion Play. That was truly amazing.
The holidays are right around the corner. What is your favourite German Christmas market and why?
Choosing a favourite Christmas market is tough, especially with Germany’s rich tradition of nearly 3,000 Christmas markets. However, my personal favourite is the Christmas Market in Wienhausen, a small village in the district of Celle, about 50 km northeast of Hanover in Lower Saxony, where I grew up.
Wienhausen is known for its stunning 13th-century monastery complex, which serves as a breathtaking backdrop for the market held on the first weekend of December. Placed along the river Aller, the scene is enchanting and creates an idyllic holiday atmosphere. The market features a delightful mix of local arts and crafts, as well as a variety of culinary specialties that showcase the region’s flavours. What makes it truly special to me is the chance to reconnect with old friends over a cup of warm mulled wine amidst the historic charm.
If you had to pick a European country to visit other than Germany, where would you travel next and why?
Italy! I truly not only enjoy the landscape, architecture and history but also the atmosphere in cafés, piazzas, and public spaces. I love Italy’s “la dolce vita approach to life”, embracing leisure, good food, and quality time with loved ones.
What are some of your favourite German delights that you just can’t get in Canada?
It is definitely German bread that I miss the most.
What’s something that a lot of people may not know about you?
I am very passionate about waterskiing and music. – Very few people know my weakness in not being able to distinguish between right and left, but maybe it’s just because I’m actually left-handed. When I took my driver’s license test, my father recommended that I write a capital “L” on my left hand and an “R” on my right hand so that I wouldn’t fail the test.
And it worked.
What trends are you noticing based on agent bookings or Canadian demand?
We are delighted to see the growing interest from Canadian travellers returning to Germany [and exceeding pre-pandemic levels]. Canadians love Germany, and they are exploring history, culture, sustainable tourism, and great cuisine. The number of flights from Canada to Germany have increased and there are many great offers from the trade for Canadians that are interested in cultural and heritage tourism, culinary and wine experiences, city breaks and of course the famous Christmas markets.
Do you have a travel ritual or something you do wherever you go?
The first thing I do when I travel is to go to a small local café. I usually have a coffee there and enjoy the first moment in a foreign country or city. It’s a good way for me to start the journey, to get in touch with the local culture, observe daily life and immerse myself in the surroundings. This is how I create an unforgettable experience at every destination.
If you had to sing karaoke tonight, which tune would you pick?
I would pick “Thank you for the music” from ABBA.
Speaking of songs, what is your favourite Christmas carol or festive song?
“Silent Night” is my favourite Christmas song, composed in 1818 by Franz Xaver Gruber and originally written in German by a young Austrian priest named Joseph Mohr. What touches me most is the story behind it: During the First World War, thousands of German and British soldiers at the front in France and Belgium stopped fighting and sang this song. They met in no man’s land and celebrated the festival of love with gift exchanges, Christmas carols, and even soccer matches.
What destination is next on your dream travel list and why?
I am a big fan of alpine skiing. Before I moved to Canada, I used to go skiing in the Alps every year with a group of friends. I have skied in Germany, Austria, Italy, France and Switzerland. Although I have been living in Canada for eight years now, I have never been skiing in the Rocky Mountains, but I would love to do that.
Do you have anything to add?
Working in this industry is incredibly rewarding, as it provides opportunities to collaborate with passionate professionals and connect travellers with unforgettable experiences. The sense of adventure, the constant evolution of trends, and the joy of promoting travel across Canada make working in this field not just a career, but an exciting journey.
