Reports have emerged that Nigerians are the top spenders in luxury retail and VIP services at Heathrow, Europe’s busiest airport by passenger traffic. VentureAfrica report.
Even though, about 70 percent of populace in the West African nation live on less than $2 a day (according to the World Bank), its riches are concentrated in the hands of a few who freely spent on luxurious services abroad.
“Heathrow’s VIP Service was originally designed for dignitaries such as Heads of State but we recognised that the privacy and exclusivity that we offered is something that many passengers are looking for in their own lives. Making the service available to First Class and Business Class passengers, we now provide a quality experience that allows our passengers to enjoy a personalised service and we’re delighted to welcome many of these from Nigeria,” Jonathan Coen, Heathrow’s Retail Director said in a statement.
Recent statistics from Heathrow further disclosed that Nigerian travellers (who patronise this service) spend an average of £1,059 ($1,594) per visit on luxury retail.
“The Personal Shopping service is incredibly successful at Heathrow, especially with our international passengers. The service started in October 2013 with a five-member team and just over a year on, we have grown to 15 members who are on hand from the first to the last flight and offer assistance in 38 languages,” Coen added.
