 |

Press Release

Go USA Card Launches, Simplifies Gift-Giving for Travel Enthusiasts on Either Personal or Corporate Gift Lists
First and Only National Attraction Pass Delivers Unlimited Admission To More Than 300 Attractions in Nine Cities
October 18, 2005 (Boston, MA) – Travel enthusiasts this holiday season will unwrap the power to enjoy the best of nine cities across the U.S., thanks to friends, family and corporate gift-givers. Smart Destinations' Go USA Card is the first product of its kind and is revolutionizing how consumers maximize their travel experience: a single card offering unlimited, flexible, fully pre-paid admission to hundreds of attractions in multiple cities nationwide. Customers can purchase the Go USA Card in increments of 1, 2, 3, 5 or 7 days, to be used any time within a year at any combination of more than 300 attractions participating in the following markets: Boston, San Francisco, San Diego, Seattle, Chicago, Orlando, Miami, Los Angeles and Hawaii. Hawaii will be available starting November 1, and L.A. will be available starting November 15.
“This is the only card in any country that allows the holder unlimited access to dozens of top attractions in multiple destination cities, and includes the flexibility to be used over the course of a year,” said Cecilia Dahl, president of Smart Destinations. “Building on the Go Boston Card and its sister products, we achieved the critical mass needed to create a card that works universally among all our markets. As a result, the Go USA Card is the only card that lets consumers 'day hop' and 'city hop' across the U.S., with all admissions fully pre-paid. Plus, with dozens of attractions in each market, travelers individualize the experience based on personal interests.”
A Great Gift Choice – Whether for Corporate or Personal Giving
As a gift item, no other product offers the same choice, flexibility and value – either as a personal gift to friends and family or as a corporate gift to employees, customers and business partners. Smart Destinations received an enthusiastic reception from HR and marketing professionals, as well from as wholesalers of incentive merchandise, when it unveiled the Card last month at the major premium and incentive conference, the Motivation Show in Chicago. Tangible awards such as travel, tickets to leisure activities and merchandise have proven to be the most popular motivators for customers and employees, and the Go USA Card is an innovative, cost-effective way to give the gift of time well-spent.
Pricing and Usage
One-day adult Go USA Cards are priced at $59, 2-day Cards are $99, 3-day Cards cost $129, 5-day Cards cost $179 and 7-day Cards cost $219. Children’s cards start at $49 for a one-day Card, up to $159 for a 7-day Card. Thanks to the breadth of participating attractions, the cost of the cards can easily be recouped by visiting just two or three attractions each day. Cards can be purchased at www.GoUSACard.com.
“In theory, someone who travels a great deal could use a seven-day Card one day in every city in which we operate,” notes Dahl. The numbers of attractions participating include: more than 60 in New England; 50 in San Francisco and the region, including a dozen in Wine Country; 70 in Orlando, Miami and across central and southern Florida. There are 35 in San Diego, 30 in Seattle, more than 25 in Chicago, and some 30 to start each in Los Angeles and Hawaii. Card holders are able to pick up free, full-color Guidebooks for cities they visit at several locations in each city. Guidebooks include descriptions of attractions, maps and general information, plus details on additional savings possible on shopping, dining and services.
Smart Destinations At A Glance:
- Launched Go Boston in 2003; Go San Francisco in 2004; Go Seattle, Go Chicago, Go San Diego and Go Orlando in spring 2005; Go Miami in August 2005; Go Hawaii and Go Los Angeles in fall 2005.
- More than 1000 distribution partners and affiliates in over 25 countries, including Virgin Holidays, American Airlines Vacations, Southwest Vacations, The Mark Travel Corporation, National Leisure Group, and major online tour operators such as Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz and more.
- Recent recipient of more than $4.25 M investment from North Hill Ventures, the venture investment arm of Capital One and Zon Capital Partners, a private venture capital firm.
- Cecilia Dahl, President and founder, is an industry veteran of the wholesale travel business, formerly with Collette Vacations. Kevin McLaughlin, CEO and founder, is a veteran entrepreneur with experience in marketing and product management for high tech products.
Go Cards At A Glance:
- The product is a single, easy-to-carry smart card used as a ticket for unlimited attraction admissions.
- Free Go Guidebooks list attractions partners for unlimited admissions, plus fun tips and detailed maps.
- Exclusive, additional savings at restaurants and shopping destinations just by showing the Card.
- 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7-day cards available.
- Central voucher redemption locations for those traveling on packages, and key tourist destination points of sale.
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, corporate HR departments and their vendors, as well as on the Web, Smart Destinations' Go Cards are a “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.

Home | Products | Solutions | About Us | Contact Us | Sitemap

©2008 Smart Destinations,
Inc.
800-887-9103,
email Smart Destinations
85 Merrimac Street, Suite 300, Boston, MA 02114
View all of our Go Visitor Card Products
|
 |