Originally Posted by
JimmyS
I can’t understand why Houston isn’t recognized as a major international city. It’s the 4th (almost 3rd) largest city in the US and has the most diverse ethnic makeup (next to NYC). Coupled with the huge energy sector and strong Texas economy it makes sense to expand intentionally…this fo course is my obviously biased opinion. 😁
Houston is “Mexico City #2” and a magnet for low-income immigration abroad (diversity doesn’t mean automatic success in air travel). The low COL and humidity/heat attract immigrants from Venezuela, Nigeria, Iraq, Cuba.. generally low earners/blue collar trade.
https://www.houstonlanding.org/repor...-more-diverse/
It has a very high poverty rate, very low household median income, economic disparity (those outside the high-end oil business: most Houstonians) make very little/travel very little compared to other large metros. It’s poorly positioned for TATL/TPAC travel, but perfect for Latin/South.
City/metro size alone is apart of the puzzle and doesn’t translate to success in air travel. Network, geography, local GDP, & corporations all play an equal or larger part as well.
Houston’s GDP is more than Atlanta and Miami, slightly less than Dallas, but ATL & DFW greatly overshadow IAH travel. Even MIA handles more.