Top officials here to promote Houston

Houston city’s chief administrative officer said yesterday that the opening of a direct flight between Doha and Houston by Qatar Airways is a “significant win” for US’s fourth largest city.

Speaking to Gulf Times, Anthony Hall Jr said the move also adds to the growing relations between “the two energy capitals of the world”.

Hall is heading a delegation from the largest city in Texas to Qatar to promote Houston.

“It is a significant win by Houston to get this air service by Qatar Airways. And it solidifies Houston’s place in the Americas as one of the top emerging airline gateways that is now connected with one of the emerging gateways on this side of the world,” he said.

The city boasts the sixth largest seaport and airport systems, including three airports and the largest customs facility in US.

“We look forward to growing our relationships with Qatar Airways because we believe there will be demand for more passenger and cargo services, particularly with the upcoming airport in Qatar,” said Houston Airport System director of marketing Genaro Pena.

Houston has a population of 5mn, with over 100 spoken languages.

Houston is also home to world’s second largest concentration of Fortune 500 companies.

“Qatar attaches great importance to culture and we in Houston offer some of the best arts and cultural spots anywhere in the world,” Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau vice-president Jorge Franz noted.