CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – November 2, 2022 – Visit Corpus Christi, the internationally accredited and official destination management organization for Corpus Christi has announced their strategy for 2023. The past year was a year of highlights for the organization which saw them win multiple state and national awards like “DMO of Year” by the Texas Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus and the national “Innovation in Brand Refresh” eTSY at the annual e-Tourism Summit.
Visit Corpus Christi has also announced two promotions of key leadership that made substantial contributions to the organization's success. Emily Zertuche was recently named Chief Marketing Officer with Meredith Darden being promoted to Vice President of Strategy.
“Visit Corpus Christi would not be performing at a “best in Texas” level without the dedication and skills of Meredith and Emily.” said Brett Oetting, President & CEO of Visit Corpus Christi. “These promotions recognize these two as leaders not only in tourism but in our community."
More recently, Darden and Zertuche both played a pivotal role in the completion of the new Destination Business Plan, which encompasses strategic initiatives that will further advance Corpus Christi as a year-round destination. The new strategies aim to increase the overall economic impact of tourism for the city and provide an opportunity for further growth within the destination resulting in a better quality of place for locals and visitors alike.
Corpus Christi finished the fiscal year with another all-time high Hotel Occupancy Tax collection; besting 2021 by 20%. A recent economic impact study by Dean Runyan Associates found Corpus Christi to be the leading Texas beach destination for overnight visitors and visitor spending.
“Corpus Christi has truly taken its place as a one of the top destinations not only in Texas but across the country” said Deven Bhakta, Visit Corpus Christi Board Chair. “The shift of travel after the pandemic and our City are a perfect match with our beaches, fishing, ecotourism and water sports; we make a perfect place for families and well as business retreats and conventions. Our community must continue to embrace all of these factors to continue our climb to the top.”
ABOUT VISIT CORPUS CHRISTI
Visit Corpus Christi is a state and national award winning 501c6 Destination Management Organization contracted by the city of Corpus Christi with a mission to create a better community by sharing Corpus Christi with the world. The organization is primarily funded through Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) paid by visitors while staying overnight in hotels and short-term rentals. Visit Corpus Christi also has a non-profit foundation that supports the hospitality and tourism industry via education programs, raising and providing funding to individuals and businesses during times of need through the Visit CC Cares program. For more information, visit www.visitcorpuschristi.com.