b'LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORDomestic Travel:AT THE HELM2025s Silver Lining JOHN GROUNDWATER // EXECUTIVE DIRECTORA ccordingtoU.S.Travel,domestictourism,inconfidence and encourage more discretionary spending on 2025, is projected to experience steady growth. De- travel according to industry experts.spite paused and pending tariffs, this growth will be driven by continuing consumer spending and sustainedAt the same time reports of significant decreases in travel businessinvestment.Accordingtotheseforecasts,totalby Canadians to the U.S. seems to be holding, along with a U.S. travel spending is expected to grow by 3.9 percent,projected drop off in international travelers to US. vacation reaching a total $1.35 trillion for the year. Of course, unre- destinations this summer and throughout 2025. U.S. Travel solved trade tensions could affect the 2025 outcome but forcontinues to forecast a 14 percent decrease in international now, the experts are optimistic. To add balance, a recent De- traveler visits this year. Florida leads the nation in interna-loitte report suggests that 41 percent of domestic travelerstional tourist travel, followed by California and New York. plan trips of three nights or fewer, up from 37 percent theWhile these forecasts tend to be somewhat dark compara-previous year, apparently reflecting a preference for shorter,tively, USTA expects approximately 71 million international more affordable getaways. The Wall Street Journal has re- visitors in 2025. The primary countries in these numbers ported that Americans who have become uneasy about theinclude Western Europe, Asia, South America, and Canada. economy are expected to take local trips and short vacations this year. Further, an estimated 45 million Americans werePVA CONGRESSIONAL FLY-IN expected to travel at least 50 miles away from home duringA HUGE SUCCESSthe Memorial Day weekend, with 87 percent planning oth- Lastmonth,nearly40PVAmembersbothvesseland er road trips because of flexibility and cost. associatemembersgatheredinWashington,D.C.,to participate in the annual PVA Congressional Fly-In. Many Experts are also hoping that the recent pause on tariffs willof these members were enthusiastic first timers who had hopefully not increase costs for businesses in the hospitalitynever participated in a PVA-sanctioned event such as this and travel sectors. Reports from various U.S. travel sectorsand had never taken part in any type of Congressional lob-indicate more corporate events are being held in 2025 thanbying event. What a fantastic opportunity to not only view in previous years. Some U.S. suppliers and retailers havethe Congressional process up close but to also personally also indicated that they plan to hold the line on tariff-re- take part in PVAs lobbying efforts and to directly support lated price hikes which also may help improve consumerthe passenger vessel industry.Continued on page 48Close to 40 PVA members participated in the 2025 PVA Congressional Fly-In. CDR Justin Nadolny briefed Fly-In attendees in the U.S. Coast Guards Congressional Affairs office space.7 MAY 2025'