By Sue-Ann Wayow

MINISTER of Trade, Investment and Tourism Satyakama Maharaj is in the United States visiting Charlotte, North Carolina.

On Wednesday, he met with senior officials of American Airlines.

Discussions focused on strengthening air connectivity and included exploring the possibility of introducing direct flights to Tobago a move that would boost tourism, create new business opportunities, and enhance connections between Trinidad and Tobago and the US.

One of the main people he met with was Jay Patel, a Trinidadian living in Charlotte, who is also the Chairman of the Greater Charlotte Hospitality & Tourism Alliance (HTA).

Patel is focused on enhancing tourism and building bridges, especially amongst members of the diaspora.

He told AZP News on Thursday, the meetings were very successful.

Patel said that he and Maharaj knew each other from his time in Trinidad and their parents were neighbours in business in San Fernando and upon learning he was in Charlotte, made arrangements to meet with him and for him to meet key persons in the tourism and business sectors.

He said upon Maharaj becoming minister, it was prudent to meet with him to discuss increasing tourism and business opportunities.

Apart from meeting with American Airlines representatives, Maharaj also met with members of various organisations including Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (NCRLA)Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) and others at the Charlotte Convention Centre.

Patel said, “Charlotte (Douglas International) airport is the sixth busiest airport in the world in terms of flights. We spoke about the possibility of having direct flights to Trinidad or either Tobago as it is a very large transit hub.”

He added that airports were “a springboard for investment” and Charlotte’s especially was in high demand by investors.

“Airports are gateways and we need to boost tourism are flights and hotel rooms,” Patel said.

On Tuesday night, Maharaj was able to meet with the diaspora and share his thoughts.

Patel said, “The diaspora community is all around the world and more and more people are wanting to get involved.”

On Wednesday, after the meetings, Maharaj also toured the Nascar Hall of Fame and met later in the evening with South Carolina Congressman Ralph Norman for a one-on-one meeting.

Meetings continue on Friday with a courtesy call to Nucor Steel Corporation which is also based in Charlotte, Patel said.

The Corporation is the largest North American steel manufacturer and recycler.

Patel also told AZP News he was hoping that crime be reduced soon in Trinidad and Tobago as that was a deterrent to tourism.