CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Billboards inviting people to local beaches can be seen along the drive back to Corpus Christi from large cities currently experiencing COVID-19 surges, such as Houston.
But Visit Corpus Christi -- formerly the Convention and Visitor's Bureau -- says its publicity campaign, called "Coastal Distancing," is not merely a blind grab to lure out-of-town visitors to Coastal Bend beaches.
"Our message is, really, just talking to visitors," Visit Corpus Christi President and CEO Brett Oetting said. "If you’re going to come down here, there’s some guidelines you need to follow."
The campaign's website informs future visitors about Nueces County's mask order among other regulations.
"There’s some mask requirements now from the executive order from the (Nueces County Judge Barbara Canales)," Oetting said. "Everybody needs to be smart and be safe about things.”
Kelly and Donnie Weed, visiting from San Angelo, weren't aware of the Coastal Distancing campaign. Still, they took precautions before setting off for their Corpus Christi vacation.
“We called ahead to the hotel, and we have to wear masks in the common areas," Kelly Weed said. "We figured we would just stay away from everybody and draw a circle in the sand and keep our own space.”
The couple, such as other visitors, plan to have fun while also staying safe.
“Just come out and have a great time but maintain your social distancing,” Donnie Weed said.
“Just relax and have fun and try not to think about all the ugly stuff that’s going on,” his wife added.