Like everyone of us, Santa Claus is back in the air again, having
recently conducted his Asian Tour earlier this month with stops
including Singapore and Japan.
Travel Weekly Asia caught up with Santa Claus, before he and his
reindeer set off on their magical tour to deliver Christmas gifts to
children around the world.
TWA: Is this your first time back in Asia since the pandemic? What do you miss most?
Santa Claus: I have made of course my yearly visits to bring gifts to
children all over the world, but my last trip to Asia was in 2019. So, I
had to wait for nearly three long years. Most of all, I have missed the
happy faces of people and seeing the joy of children around the world.
TWA: How has the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict affected Santa's routes on Finnair? Does it mean more time in the air?
Santa Claus: Yes, this means that I get to spend some extra hours in
Finnair’s new, refitted business class. Flights to Asia are now about
one to four hours longer. Of course at my age, I can do with the extra
rest.
Of course, Santa gets to travel at the front of the plane on Finnair's new, refitted business class.
TWA: You travel a great deal around the world. How do you
make your journeys more climate friendly? Have you thought of using an
electric sleigh or automating your operations to relieve the festive
crunch time for Rudolph and the other reindeer?
Santa Claus: Rudolph and his team get to rest through the year after
their hard work during Christmas. Other times, Santa relies on little
helpers around the world and flies with Finnair. Finnair has promised to
cut their net emissions by 50% from the 2019 level.
TWA: How is travel this year different from previous years? Any tips or tricks to cope with the surge in travel this year-end?
Santa Claus: Travel seems to be more popular than ever! Santa always
books his travel well in advance. In addition, Santa will reserve much
time and patience beforehand. But most of all, Santa recommends being
kind and courteous to fellow travellers and customer service agents.
Santa always books his travel well in advance. In addition, Santa will reserve much time and patience beforehand. But most of all, Santa recommends being kind and courteous to fellow travellers and customer service agents.
TWA: Be it naughty or nice, what's the most memorable request from travellers' Christmas wish list this year?
Santa Claus: Santa gets millions of requests from around the world,
so it is very hard to choose just one. This year, people have been extra
joyful just for the chance to travel and see the world again.
TWA: What is it like to live in the Arctic circle? When's the best time to visit you?
Santa Claus: Arctic circle is very beautiful around the year. Winter
time is special, as there is a greater chance to see the famous Northern
lights. However, Santa recommends the mellow, fresh nights of the
never-ending days during the summer season.
TWA: Ho, ho, ho, any advice to the travel industry leaders
and readers of Travel Weekly Asia on how they can keep the magic of
travel alive for everyone?
Santa Claus: Santa recommends that you take the time to stay in the
moment. Many times, we forget to enjoy the journey before our
destination. A key to a magical experience is always kindness and
goodwill.