Visit Corpus Christi, a destination management organisation in the Gulf Coast Capital of Texas, has embraced a new standard of cleanliness with GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation from the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), a Division of ISSA.
Multiple businesses, facilities, and attractions in Corpus Christi have achieved the accreditation for outbreak prevention, response, and recovery, including Corpus Christi International Airport, American Bank Center, Art Museum of South Texas, and the USS Lexington Museum on the Bay, the first aircraft carrier in the world to receive this designation.
Brett Oetting, CEO and President of Visit Corpus Christi, said: “Tourism is Corpus Christi’s second largest industry, and it is crucial that we do everything we can to ensure the safety of these visitors and our local community.
“Our hope is that by taking these additional steps, visitors will feel comfortable knowing Corpus Christi is doing everything it can to create the healthiest environment possible – whether you are staying at a hotel, dining in one of our incredible restaurants, or visiting a local attraction. We are extremely grateful to the businesses that decided to take this extra step with us and congratulate them on receiving accreditation.”
Each year, Corpus Christi welcomes nearly 11m business and leisure travellers who contribute to the local economy. Some of its top attractions include the USS Lexington Museum on the Bay, nicknamed ‘The Blue Ghost’, an Essex-class aircraft carrier built during World War II for the United States Navy, and the American Bank Center, an entertainment complex with a capacity of 10,000 which hosts numerous conventions, trade shows, exhibitions, live performances, and sporting events for the NAHL’s Corpus Christi IceRays.
Local restaurants and bars in the area, such as Bar Under the Sun, Harrison’s Landing, House of Rock, and Rebel Toad Brewing Co., have successfully completed the GBAC Fundamentals Course, teaching staff the proper cleaning and disinfecting principles to reduce the spread of infectious disease outbreaks, such as the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Additionally, multiple Corpus Christi businesses and hotels have committed to and are actively pursuing GBAC STAR accreditation.
GBAC Executive Director, Patricia Olinger, said: “Destinations like Corpus Christi attract visitors from around the world, and it’s great to see the entire city embracing GBAC STAR to ensure both travellers and residents feel safe. With the GBAC STAR seal, you can rest assured that your favourite restaurant, local airport, and nearby sports arena cleans for your health and safety.”
