Houston Airports recently joined Mayor Sylvester Turner on a trade and tourism mission to South Africa.

Houston Airports' Chief Municipal Affairs Officer Rhonda Arnold and Director of International Relations Željka Momirović participated in a visit to South Africa led by Mayor Sylvester Turner, Greater Houston Partnership and Visit Houston.

The Word Energy Cities Partnership meeting was held in Cape  Town and  Momirovic, the City of Houston's WECP officer attended the conference that brings together major world energy cities, Mayors and industry specialists from around the world. She also promoted the airports’ global connectivity message at meetings with local governments, businesses, airlines and airports.

Houston is the only city in the western hemisphere with nonstop service to all inhabitable continents. Houston Airports has experienced an unprecedented surge in passenger traffic. In 2015, George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) accommodated 10.6 million passengers travelling to and from international destinations—an increase of more than 50 percent over the last decade. It is important to ensure strong commercial air service connectivity in Houston for years to come.

The mission provided great opportunities to promote Houston and create partnerships focusing on energy, healthcare, workforce development and transportation.