Nigerians More Familiar With UK Sports, History, Says BA

A 2016 British Airways survey of travellers has revealed that some Nigerians are more familiar with UK sports and history than some of their European counterparts.

Disclosing this last week while releasing its travel plans for the year, the airline noted that sport, culture and history were certainly among the reasons to visit London, adding that about 4,000 travellers were randomly surveyed to arrive at the report. On the planned schedule, British Airways named its six top destinations for Nigerian travellers in 2017.

Expectedly, London tops the list being a perennial favourite for Nigerians. From gap-year students to parents’ holidays, the UK capital has everything to offer from the finesse of the Chelsea Flower Show to the fervour of the FA Cup final.

According to the airline, a short hop across the channel, the romance, cuisine and sophistication of Paris remain as alluring as ever, not to mention Les Soldes – the regulated sales that start at major department stores and boutique shops on 11 January.

It noted: “If it’s more chic 2017 rather than discounted 2016 that you’re into, then time your trip to be there between 22 and 26 January for Paris Fashion Week.

“And who could resist Paris in the spring and summer, particularly as the southern hemisphere starts slipping into winter? Naturally there’s plenty to see and do, a soupçon of which includes the French Open at Roland-Garros from May 22 to June 11; the Taste of Paris, which brings together top restaurants, food and wine producers from 18 to 21 May; and the Jazz Festival À Saint- Germain-Des-Prés, offering performances in the heart of the city between 11 and 22 May.

“The Eternal City remains an eternal favourite and it’s not hard to understand why. Where else but Rome does a modern European city blend so seamlessly with centuries of history and culture?

Add to this the irrepressible Romans – the inventors of la dolce vita – and you have the potential for a rock concert in a museum. It’s nothing new, the ancient Romans had 150 days a year set aside for fun and festivities.”

According to the Regional Commercial Manager, West Africa at British Airways, Kola Olayinka, “with up to 14 flights a week, we’re offering more seats to London from Nigeria than we ever have before.

“These include seven weekly B777 services to and from Lagos and seven weekly B777 flights to and from Abuja. There are up to 14 flights a week to Heathrow from Lagos and Abuja.”

Wole Shadare