b"LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORAppraising the Past While AT THE HELMEagerly Looking to the FutureJOHN GROUNDWATER // EXECUTIVE DIRECTORO n behalf of all here at the Passenger Vessel Association (PVA),Assistance with Coast Guard Matters withtheirinteractionswith please accept our best wishes for a safe and happy holiday sea- PVAsstaffexpertssupportmembers son. As we are nearing the end of the calendar year, we are de- Coast Guard inspectors and others, providing direct advice and even lighted to report that our industry, and our members, are reporting farintervening when necessary.and wide that they have experienced very positive business conditions during 2022. Some members have indicated that they have exceededAhoyNew Adventures Digital Marketing Program2019 levels which is fantastic to hear following the challenges of 2020PVA also launched an important new member programAhoyNew and 2021. Other members are reporting that their business is reachingAdventureswhich is intended to help market PVA member compa-nearly normal conditions. One PVA vessel operator commented thatnies to consumers.challenges of the pandemic and the resulting slowdown in business over the last several years allowed them to seriously assess their businessImproved PVA Green Water Programoperations to identify and cut unnecessary costs. PVA has revamped the Green Waters Program to allow you to easily participate and adopt the green practices in your business that your INDUSTRY RESEARCH POINTS TO A POSITIVE FUTURE customers demand. We at PVA have been extremely pleased to hear these reports and are optimistic about the future for our industry. In its research on trav- Enhanced Online Crew Training Programsel and tourism trends, the U.S. Travel Association (USTA) expectsPVA members and staff are constantly fine-tuning and expanding the continued resilience of domestic leisure travel, which has surpassedonline crew training offerings that are available only to PVA members.pre-pandemic levels. Commenting further, USTA forecasts the con-tinued improvement in domestic business travel and a full recoveryAN EXCITING PVA ANNUAL CONVENTIONin terms of volume is still forecast for 2024 While economic fore- AT MARITRENDS 2023 AWAITS YOUcasts for the U.S. economy are mixed, there is some good news partic- PVA members and staff are pulling out all the stops to bring you a ularly in falling gas prices and the associated effect on travel. Accord- spectacular PVA Annual Convention at MariTrends 2023. Scheduleding to Amir Eylon, president and CEO of Longwoods International,Feb. 2-5 at the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center in a strategic marketing research company, the recent downward trendLong Beach, Calif., MariTrends 2023 will bring together PVA mem-in gas prices translates into improving consumer confidence towardbers from throughout the U.S. and North America. During the con-future travel. But if we have learned anything during this pandemicvention more than 60 seminars, activities, and social events will be era, the travel industry will have to remain nimble and adjust quicklyoffered for attendees. Each seminar focuses on a topic that is tailored to any new threats or disruptions, no matter what their source is. Mr.specifically to the interests of PVA members. Whether focusing on Eylon gave a keynote address at the PVA Annual Convention at Mar- sales and marketing, energy, propulsion, safety, regulation or technol-iTrends 2022 in Covington, Ky. ogy, there will something for everyone. Following is a snapshot of some of the seminars being planned just for you:PVA 2023 MEMBERSHIP DUES AND YOUR SUPPORTAs you may know, PVA has forwarded 2023 membership dues invoic- Marketing Trends for 2023es to members. The response from members in renewing their PVA Realizing a Vision: From Study to Vessel Contract Design memberships for 2023 has been overwhelming. We thank you for your Active Shooter/Armed Assailant: The Insurance Perspective ongoing support of PVA as it allows us to continue to serve your in- Interacting Successfully with the Coast Guardsterests in Washington D.C. If you have not yet paid your 2023 PVAMarine Safety Centermembership dues, I urge you to do so as soon as you can. Here are aThe Future of Marine Fuels and Electrificationfew of activities and programs that are provided to you through your Managing Engine Maintenance PVA membership: Marketing vs. BrandingHow to Implement a Safety Management System.Business Savings and PVA Advocacy10 Steps to Bolster Your Cyber SecurityPVA has saved its members millions of dollars by assisting them in solv-Effective Shipboard Emergency Drills ing complex U.S. Coast Guard issues, developing programs and prod-Managing Marine Events ucts to improve operations, and combating costly and uncoordinated Staff and Crew Retention in Seasonal Operationsgovernment regulation.Experience of Over Two Years of Zero Emission Operations with Maid of the MistCOVID-19 Emergency Funding When it Was Needed Most The New Era of Digital AdvertisingThroughout the coronavirus pandemic, PVA successfully lobbied Con-How Photos Put Smiles on your Customers' Faces: Current andgress for emergency funding that helped PVA members cope and survive.Future Industry TrendsContinued on page 417 DECEMBER 2022"