Our Story

Every destination has a story shaped by the people who live there, the visitors who experience it, and the organizations entrusted with guiding its growth. Ours is no different.

Our journey began in 2001 with the simple but powerful idea that destination organizations deserve technology built specifically for them.

As Simpleview, we set out to help DMOs attract visitors, generate economic impact, and compete more effectively. From the industry’s first web-based CRM built exclusively for DMOs to integrated CMS, data, and digital marketing solutions designed for the unique complexity of destination marketing and sales professionals — we’ve been there every step of the way.

Now, driving visitation is no longer enough. DMOs increasingly find themselves accountable to a much broader group of stakeholders, including residents, local businesses, elected officials, community partners, and media.

So, we’ve evolved again.

We were acquired by Granicus, a global leader in government experience technologies and services, joining forces with the scale and community-focused solutions needed to help DMOs face the new age of destination management.

“One thing many people may not realize is just how deeply our trajectory has been shaped by the destinations we serve. Our products and features come directly from conversations with DMOs about the challenges they face and the tools they need to do their jobs better,” said Greg Evans, VP of destination services. “Now, as Granicus Destinations, we have the resources and global reach to learn more, do more, and help our DMO partners support thriving destinations.”

With our strengthened mission to support DMOs, our dedicated teams of industry experts, and now a sustainable investment in support and innovation — we’re eager to be an even stronger partner for destinations.

220 Solutions was formed in 2001 from a shared vision among Ryan George, Bill Simpson, and Scott Wood, and supported by a loan from Ryan’s father. Travel industry veteran Rich Reasons, owner of cvbTV, also played a vital role in establishing the company’s direction. Joining forces, their collective vision kicked off a new era in destination marketing.

In 2002, they introduced the first web-based customer relationship management (CRM) system exclusively designed for DMOs. Fun fact: Visit Lauderdale was the company’s first client and remains a loyal customer to this day.

Granicus Destinations was officially created when 220 Solutions and cvbTV merged in 2007, comprising 100 clients.

In 2010, Granicus Destinations acquired New Media Gateway and its portfolio of clients, which included large North American destinations. Granicus Destinations gained its first customer outside of North America in 2011, when Malaysia signed on for CRM services. In 2014, Granicus Destinations acquired Pittsburgh-based Software Management, Inc., adding 92 DMOs to its client base. Over a period of three years, Granicus Destinations opened offices in the United Kingdom and Mexico City.

A series of acquisitions took place to help better serve Granicus Destinations clients. Notable milestone mergers included:

• 2Synergize, LLC, a consulting agency, was created to specialize in the DMO sales industry, with a laser-focus on helping destinations gain a competitive edge in the conventions, meetings, and events markets.

• The acquisition of Jackrabbit Systems enabled DMOs to offer direct booking to local lodging partners.

•Eventsforce was acquired to provide DMOs, planners, and marketers with an intuitive, all-in-one solution that scales to meet ever-changing event technology needs.

• MINT+, the world’s largest meetings database, was created in a joint venture with Destinations International.