b'LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORA Successful 2024,AT THE HELMOptimism for 2025JOHN GROUNDWATER // EXECUTIVE DIRECTORH appy New Year from all of us here at the Passen- available U.S. experiences from city-oriented attractions gerVesselAssociation!Pleaseacceptourbestto outdoor landmarks, beaches, and national parks. wishes for a safe and prosperous 2025.TRAVEL EXPECTATIONS FOR 2025 We value your PVA membership support and look for- Looking ahead, the U.S. travel and tourism industry is ward to serving you in 2025. Because of your continuedpoised for continued growth in 2025. This is great news participation as members, we are able to provide consis- for the passenger vessel industry at large. Domestic trav-tent representation in Washington, D.C. and provide theel is expected to remain strong. The combination of a staff expertise that is available to members to assist withthrivingdomesticmarket,arecoveringinternational operational, U.S. Coast Guard, and other important day- sector, and technological advancements is set to ensure to-day assistance, advice, and counsel. In addition, yourthe industrys continued success in the years ahead. The membershipsupportdirectlyunderwritestheworkofU.S. passenger vessel industry continues to be positioned PVAs functional committees which are responsible for de- perfectly to appeal to a diversity of tourism and traveler veloping a variety of useful products, training tools, andneeds and demands.services for member use. We hope that you will encourage those in your areas who are not members of PVA to join.WELCOME TO MARITRENDS 2025!There is strength in numbers and working together deliv- A spectacular PVA event has been planned for you here ers long-term benefits for all. in Savannah. In addition to this beautiful and inviting Southerncity,thePVAAnnualConventionatMar-A GREAT YEAR LOOKING BACK iTrends 2025 offers more than 90 educational sessions Fromallreports,theU.S.travelandtourismindustry,and social events focused solely on the passenger vessel and the U.S. passenger vessel industry, experienced a veryindustry. Convention attendees from all corners of the successful 2024. This rosy business outcome was drivenUnited States, North America, the Caribbean, Europe, by strong consumer demand, an increase in internationaland as far away as Australia are attending MariTrends visitors, and a strengthening economy. Following the chal- 2025.Theyareattendingforvaluableindustrynet-lenges brought on by the pandemic, travel demand surgedworking opportunities, exposure to the latest marketing in 2023 and continued into 2024, which underpinned theadvancements,thought-provokingsessionsintroducing impressive passenger vessel industry performance for therevolutionarytechnologicalinnovations,andawide year. As you know, domestic travel in the U.S. was partic- range of indispensable products and services showcased ularly strong in 2024. Americans continued to prioritizeby loyal PVA member exhibitors. All of this has been pre-their travel experiences within the U.S. and recognizedpared with a focus on the passenger vessel industry and that they could explore many exciting domestic destina- the contemporary needs of passenger vessel operators. tions inexpensively by road or via short airline flights. KEYNOTE ADDRESSESINTERNATIONAL TRAVEL IS IMPROVING FROM MARITIME LEADERSExperts have reported that international travel to the U.S.In addition to a convention program that is packed with also rebounded in 2024, with increasing traveler numbersmany opportunities to interact and learn, MariTrends from Europe, Canada, Mexico, and Asia. Many consider2025 is adding to an already powerful program by fea-the United States to be one of the most attractive touristturing two senior maritime leaders to its keynote speaker destinations in the world. This is due to the variety ofline up.Continued on page 527 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025'