Visit Corpus Christi, a Destination Management Organization located 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 USS Lexington Museum on the Bay, the first aircraft carrier in the world to receive this designation.

“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,” said Visit Corpus Christi President and CEO Brett Oetting. “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 11 million business and leisure travelers 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 that hosts numerous conventions, trade shows, exhibitions, live performances, and sporting events for the Corpus Christi IceRays.

Local restaurants and bars in the area, 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.

The following facilities in Corpus Christi, Texas have earned GBAC^® STAR accreditation:

Airport

• Corpus Christi International Airport in Corpus Christi, Texas

Museums

• Art Museum of South Texas in Corpus Christi, Texas
• USS Lexington Museum on the Bay in Corpus Christi, Texas

Stadium or Arena

• American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas, home to the NAHL Corpus Christi IceRays

“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 travelers and residents feel safe,” said GBAC Executive Director Patricia Olinger. “With the GBAC^® STAR seal, you can rest assured that your favorite restaurant, local airport, and nearby sports arena cleans for your health and safety.”

Learn more and apply for GBAC^® STAR Facility Accreditation at gbac.org/star. 

Find accredited facilities and those pursuing accreditation via the GBAC^® STAR Facility Directory at gbac.org/directory.