The USS Lexington Museum on the Bay is the first aircraft carrier in the world to receive the designation of GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation, a program designed to help facilities set up a comprehensive system of cleaning, disinfection, and infectious disease prevention for visitors and employees. File photo
Corpus Christi businesses earn clean bill of health from international association
Several Corpus Christi businesses recently achieved GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation from the Global Biorisk Advisory Council, the worldwide cleaning industry association. Four local attractions earning the accreditation were the American Bank Center, the Art Museum of South Texas, Corpus Christi International Airport, and the USS Lexington Museum on the Bay.
Bars and restaurants that completed the GBAC Fundamentals Course include BUS (Bar Under the Sun), Harrison’s Landing, House of Rock, and Rebel Toad Brewing. In addition, multiple businesses and hotels are currently in the process or receiving accreditation for keeping their facilities clean and healthy.
A performance-based program, the GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation aims to help facilities set up a comprehensive system of cleaning, disinfection, and infectious disease prevention for visitors and employees.
GBAC’s extensive training teaches the proper protocols, correct disinfection techniques, and best practices for biohazard situations such as the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. The most successful GBAC STAR facilities can prove that correct work practices, procedures, and systems are in place to prepare, respond to, and recover from outbreaks and pandemics.
The GBAC STAR accreditation helps instill confidence in customers and hospitality staff in a tourism-based economy. Nearly 11 million business and leisure travelers visit the Coastal Bend each year, bringing in $1.5 billion to the local economy.
“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,” said Brett Oetting, CEO and president of Visit Corpus Christi. “We are extremely grateful to the businesses who decided to take this extra step with us and congratulate them on receiving accreditation.”
Visit Corpus Christi developed a “Stay Safe Pledge” to encourage businesses to implement good health procedures, including frequent hand washing and disinfection of spaces.
“We needed our larger attractions such as the Texas State Aquarium and the USS Lexington Museum to demonstrate a commitment to cleanliness by completing the GBAC program to not only instill confidence among our visitors, but to serve as a model and inspiration for other facilities,” said America Segura, brand manager for Visit Corpus Christi.
This is the best way to help visitors travel confidently in the face of COVID-19, she said.
GBAC STAR-accredited hotels and venues demonstrate compliance with the program's 20 elements, including enhanced cleaning and contactless services. Accredited businesses display an official window cling so patrons will know they are visiting a safe, healthy environment.
The Corpus Christi Visitor Info Center is located at 309 N. Water St., Suite D, in Water Street Market. Call 1-800-766-2322 or 361-561-2000 for more information.
