Press Release

Bi-Coastal Smart Destinations Wins Investment, Grows Tech Base in Seattle
Seattle Native Heads Up Local Technology Headquarters for Company Launching Go Seattle Card

April 25, 2005 (Seattle, WA) – Recent significant venture investment in Smart Destinations has resulted in the expansion of the company’s Seattle technology headquarters, run by company co-founder and Chief Technology Officer Tyler Brooks. A Northwest native, Brooks was previously founder and owner of Purchase Net, Inc., which sold to Sybase 10 years ago, and a former engineer with Asymetrix. He invented most of the technology on which Smart Destinations’ all-inclusive attractions “smart” card is based. All of Smart Destinations’ information infrastructure, terminal networks and research and development are run from Seattle under Brooks’ direction.

Thanks to North Hill Ventures, the investment arm of Capital One Bank, and Zon Capital Partners, and based on the success of its Go Boston Card and Go San Francisco Card, Smart Destinations has secured $4.25 million in Series A venture funding. As a result, Brooks has hired three new staffers in the company’s Seattle technology headquarters.

“I have always been interested in applying my technical skills to interesting business problems,” notes Brooks. “I previously worked with (CEO) Kevin McLaughlin at Sybase, and when he called to say he and (president) Cecilia Dahl had an idea to fill a void in the travel industry, but needed a proprietary technology system, the opportunity was significant. Investment in the travel industry is rare these days, but our systems provide the Go Cards with a unique value proposition and business model that set us apart.”

Customers simply swipe the Go Card to gain unlimited entry to top attractions, plus discounts on shopping, dining and services, all outlined in a free accompanying Guidebook with maps and helpful tips. Attraction partners appreciate not only the Card’s track record, but the ease in Smart Destinations’ advanced paperless technology, with ongoing, detailed reports about usage and automatic, on-time payment, and global distribution networks in more than 25 countries.

The venture investment not only funded the expansion of the technology operation, but provided the support needed for Smart Destinations to launch into four new markets. The Go Seattle Card will launch May 1, following by sister products in Chicago, Orlando and San Diego over coming weeks. The Go Seattle Card will retail at introduction for $39 per adult for one day, with lower per-day rates with multi-day cards and for children. Customers receive unlimited admission to more than 30 top local attractions, plus discounts on shopping, dining and services, Smart Destinations has also made donations on behalf of its customers to: the Kubota Gardens; Washington Park Arboretum; W.W. Seymour Botanical Gardens, and the Volunteer Park Conservatory and Gardens.

Customers can purchase the Go Seattle Card online at www.GoSeattleCard.com or through any of Smart Destinations’ global distribution partners. The card is an included component in a number of hotel packages and weekend getaways and is marketed as a valuable add-on for meeting and convention delegates. Locally, the card is available at the Space Needle and through the concierge at Pacific Place Shopping Center.

About Smart Destinations
Smart Destinations is the premier provider of unlimited admission attraction passes in major U.S. travel destinations. Smart Destinations’ Go Cards offer simplified access to dozens of attractions to individuals, couples and families, for one fixed “per day” price. The Go Guidebook is ready-to-travel and includes fun facts about a destination, access details, and important local numbers. Distributed through major travel services in 25 countries as well as on the Web, Smart Destinations’ Go Cards are the industry’s “trusted companion” for the best a city has to offer at an unbeatable price point. For more information on program participation, the company and its cards, visit www.GoCardUSA.com or call 617-671-1001.

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