b'LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORLooking Forward To 2026AT THE HELMWith EnthusiasmJOHN GROUNDWATER // EXECUTIVE DIRECTORH appy New Year from all of us at the Passengermestic travel in the U.S. in 2026. They have forecast travel Vessel Association (PVA). Please accept our bestspending to increase to $1.49 trillion by 2029. wishes for a safe and prosperous year ahead. We are thrilled to open another exciting chapter representingWhile international visitors to the U.S. decreased signifi-the interests of our growing PVA membership in Wash- cantly in 2025 for a variety of reasons, U.S. Travel believes ington, D.C. Please know that PVA leaders and staff willthat this market segment will resume growth in 2026; with continuediligentlyrepresentingtheinterestsofourev- some estimates reaching approximately 70 million interna-er-changingindustryandweencourageyourcontinuedtional visitors. participation in this important journey. Americas 250th Anniversary Celebration and the FIFA CONFIDENCE IN TRAVEL2026 World Cup are two events which are expected to at-AND TOURISM FOR 2026 tract widespread interest, big crowds, and extensive travel Travel industry experts are forecasting steady growth forand tourism demand.INSURANCE SOLUTIONS FOR domestictravelin2026.As you can tell, 2026 offers Thisoptimism,while somewhattempered,isa great deal of opportunity based on the positive per- PVA leaders and staffforthoseassociatedwith PASSENGER VESSEL OPERATORS formanceoftravelmet- travel and tourism and the rics in 2025. While 2025will continue passenger vessel industry. began similarly with cau-Trusted by Clients. Proven in Results. tious optimism there wasdiligently representingPVA PROGRAMS initiallygeneralconcernWITH LASTING BEN-A key part of Bay State Cruises being able to operate efficiently over aboutimpendingtariffs,the interests of our EFITSthe years is the strong support and service given by Starkweather & coupled with a seesawingThis year will also usher in stockmarketthatraisedever-changing industrya continuing procession of Shepley. The complex insurance requirements of the clients we serve red flags early in the yearnew programs and member and the contracts we hold, hinge on the advice given by our respected about expected economicand we encourage benefits for PVA members. conditions and a possibleTheassociationscommit-colleagues at Starkweather. Not our first broker of insurance over the slowdown in discretionaryyour continuedmenttomemberservice decades, but, due to our satisfaction, probably our last. domestic travel. Forecastsisunwavering.ThePVA fordecreasinginboundparticipation in thisfamilyofpassengervessel internationaltravelerstooperatorsandsuppliersis Michael Glasfeld,the U.S., which became aimportant journey. one of intensely loyal sup-Bay State Cruise Company reality,alsocausedwide- porters who enthusiastical-spreadearlyconcerns.lysharetheirexperience, Fortunately,U.S.travelandtourismspendingonmostknowledge, and expertise with each other for the common domestic fronts remained strong throughout 2025.good.Theircollaborationcreatesnewmemberproducts Check Us Out During that can be used to improve company operations and safety. To Learn More, The U.S. Travel Association (U.S. Travel), a major researchMembers participate in PVA committees, task forces, and MariTrends 2026: Please Visit: leader in the travel industry, is expecting growth for do- working groups that formulate legislative and regulatory Booth #713 starshep.com/PVA Continued on page 527 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026'