Boston-based Smart Destinations, which produces the popular Go City Card attraction passes, has just taken a significant step in its mission to become the foremost sightseeing provider in leading cities around the world, with its sale to UK-based Big Bus Tours.
According to Ted Stimpson, CEO of Smart Destinations, the privately-held company has just been acquired by Big Bus Tours, the largest global operator of premium open-top sightseeing tours with coverage in 19 cities across four continents.
According to Mr. Stimpson, "This acquisition combines two great companies, both committed to maximizing the in-destination experience of traveling consumers. Big Bus Tours is the perfect introduction to a city, guiding guests to the key places of interest. Go City Card passes provide a convenient and cost-effective way to pay for admission to those same top attractions. Together, we will deliver travelers to the gate and through the turnstile of the top paid attractions of the world!”
Pat Waterman, CEO of Big Bus Tours, adds, “This latest acquisition for Big Bus Tours is truly a significant one. Smart Destinations is the leader in the attraction pass category, offering customers unbeatable value for money, access to some of the best attractions in the world and a very easy way to buy and redeem passes.”
The companies’ shared target audience provides an ideal partnership to acquire a larger piece of the global leisure travel marketplace. The acquisition enables Smart Destinations, which will continue to operate as an independent division in Boston, to leverage Big Bus’ international presence in order to launch its Go City Card attraction passes in top destinations around the world. In addition, Big Bus will benefit by becoming the primary bus tour provider for Smart Destinations’ Go City Card attraction passes in all existing cities where the companies both operate.
