Nigerians are top spenders in luxury retail and VIP services at Heathrow, Europe’s busiest airport

According to the recent statistics released by Heathrow, Nigerian travellers – who patronise this service – spend an average of £1,059 per visit on luxury retail.

Although over 70 percent of people in the country live on less than $2 dollars a day, its riches, concentrated in the hands of a few are 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,” Jonathan Coen, Heathrow’s retail director, said in a statement.

“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,” he added.

Heathrow Airport’s VIP Service is available to First Class and Business Class travellers, flying on any airline to or from Heathrow.

The travellers get a dedicated entrance to the airport, collection from the aircraft and transportation directly to the exclusive suite where luggage is delivered. The passenger is also assisted with their check-in, immigration and baggage collection procedures.

“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.