Simpleview and Viator Join Forces to Transform DMO Websites With the Largest Travel Experience Marketplace
September 29, 2023
Simpleview, a CRM, CMS and marketing solutions company for destination marketing organizations (DMOs), has teamed up with Viator, a subsidiary of Tripadvisor, to bring an online marketplace offering more than 300,000 tours, activities and attractions to destination websites.
Event organizers will have a new tool to help attendees and exhibitors book experiences in the host city before, during or after their meetings, trade shows and conventions. By offering Viator's trusted platform, DMOs can provide visitors with a secure and reliable booking experience.
"At Simpleview, our mission is to bridge visitors with unique local attractions,” said Simpleview Chief Revenue Officer Greg Evans. “Viator broadens horizons for 'out-of-market' or 'top-of-funnel' visitors and streamlines bookings for the 'in-market' users, embodying our dedication to transforming digital interactions into memorable journeys.
He continued, “This partnership will empower DMOs with tools for visitor growth while offering tailored content to fuel travel ambitions — we are excited to bring the capabilities of Viator’s offerings to Simpleview CMS."
TSNN wanted to know more about this partnership and how it can enhance the travel experience for event organizers, attendees and exhibitors.
What’s the value to the corporate event planners and trade show organizers?
This partnership enables corporate event planners and trade show organizers to provide attendees with all of the necessary information about the host destination via the DMO website. The Viator integration provides a listing for a greater number of activities and tours that can be booked directly from the DMO website for experiencing the destination before, during or after the event. Planners can also use this tool as a way to find tours they would like to offer as a part of their event.
How will it work?
The customer (DMOs) will work with Simpleview to connect their partners’ available offerings via Simpleview CRM and a simple supplier ID. This ID connects the DMO's partner listings to the already available supplier offerings on Viator.com. Simpleview has also supplied the account teams with a "new supplier" template for DMOs to use when partners want to sign up to be a supplier, so creating tours and activities is a piece of cake.
Once the supplier IDs have been matched to the DMO partners, the website listings display a "buy tickets" button that allows event planners, meeting and convention organizers and/or travelers to easily navigate any tour offerings available on Viator without leaving the DMO site. Once a user clicks on the tour or activity they wish to pursue, they are transported to Viator.com to complete their purchase. If a user is simply planning to book an event, meeting or convention, they are able to see what attractions and businesses are offering that could easily fit into their RFP and event plans.
Are any DMOs currently using or testing this?
Simpleview has completed a successful beta with New Orleans & Company. Its site is live with Viator offerings here.
How did the partnership come about?
We are always looking for ways to help connect our customers to their partners and local businesses and provide site visitors with the best experience possible. Since Viator is known around the world for being the largest marketplace for our client’s current offerings, it is a partnership we have always talked about pursuing. When Viator changed its API structure, we had deeper discussions that led to a one-of-a-kind partnership that offers a unique CRM integration. DMOs are not only able to provide even more value through referrals and click-throughs to their partners but also increase their website engagement with a licensed content feed of “things to do” for consumers.
What are some of your largest CVB and/or venue clients?
More than 95% of the top 50 meeting destinations in North America are Simpleview customers and include destinations such as Las Vegas, Orlando and Houston. We recently became the preferred website provider for venues managed by ASM Global, with dozens of websites in the process of being launched.
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Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.
At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:
Protecting Natural Resources
MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.
Committed to Community
Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.
MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.
Fostering Diversity & Inclusion
To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.
MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.
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