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http://www.bizjournals.com/boston/

Boston Business Journal's 40 Under 40

October 7, 2005 -- Every time Cecilia travels, she gets “that wow feeling.”

The passionate sailor who was born outside Chicago, grew up in Southern New Hampshire and spent summers in Norway, has helped build Smart Destinations to spread her enthusiasm.

Smart Destinations features a Go Card, an all-inclusive attraction pass that offers discounts and admissions to various attractions city- or region-wide. It combines smart card tracking technology with marketing strategies that make it a win-win for consumers, who pay a low, fixed price; attractions, which benefit from the exposure; and the city, which gets to show off its tourist destinations while reaping revenue from visitors.

The toughest startup challenge? “Getting out there with an idea, with nothing to show but, ‘Trust me,’” said Dahl. Trust, they did.

The Go Boston Card launched in July of 2003, followed by San Francisco in 2004. Chicago, Orlando, Fla.; Miami; San Diego/Los Angeles; Seattle and Honolulu all have cards, with the Go USA Card encompassing them all and more to come.

Dahl, who left a lucrative career in the travel business to start Smart Destinations, says the business “took off like a rocket” this year. The company, started with four, now employs 40. She brings her two Golden Retrievers, Seamus and Fenway (yes, after the park), to work every day.

When she’s not traveling or working, Dahl is hiking, sailing or spending time with her nephews. Oh, and loving Boston: “You can literally walk across town in 15 minutes.”

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