As the city of Corpus Christi recovers from the economic impact of COVID-19, its tourism and marketing arm, Visit Corpus Christi, launched a program to help restore customer confidence in local businesses while mitigating the spread of the coronavirus.
The Stay Safe Pledge program fosters a commitment by local businesses and their clients to help stop the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. Businesses that take the pledge download a media tool kit with a Stay Safe Pledge badge to display on their website, a poster to print out to hang on their front door, and social media graphics to feature on their social media channels.
The purpose is to show customers these businesses are committed to following recommended safety precautions, such as washing or sanitizing hands and work areas, wearing face coverings, practicing social distancing, cleaning and disinfecting buildings, and staying home when feeling ill.
The mission of Visit Corpus Christi is to draw more overnight guests, events, and businesses to the Corpus Christi area. One of the first steps in rebuilding the tourism economy is creating confidence, said President and CEO Bret Oetting.
“The Stay Safe Pledge is our way for the Corpus Christi tourism industry to give the community and visitors peace of mind,” Oetting said.
According to statistics from Destination Analysts, 75 percent of travelers research how destinations and their businesses are managing the COVID-19 situation before leaving on a trip. Only 12 percent are “very confident” and 32.5 percent “somewhat confident” that travel-related businesses can safely reopen.
Area restaurants and attractions are taking health and sanitation seriously throughout the entire pandemic, Oetting said.
Download the Stay Safe Pledge at visitcorpuschristitx.org/pledge. For more information, email Emily Zertuche at ezertuche@cctexas.org.